Jamie Redknapp has claimed that Tottenham fans ‘weren’t taking’ to Matt Doherty when he first joined the club, as he told Sky Sports PL.
But the Sky pundit thinks things are changing for the 30-year-old because he has now started to find some form in Tottenham colours.
Jose Mourinho was in charge when Tottenham purchased Doherty for £15 million (Guardian) from Wolves, but life didn’t start as he would have liked.
That indifferent form filtered through to Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte’s reign, before a change in recent weeks, as Redknapp lauded the player.
“I think you look at Matt Doherty (in players who have found form),” said Redknapp. “In terms of assists, it really helps him.
“It’s a position he played at Wolves for many years and he was in brilliant form for them.
“Then, when he came here, it hasn’t quite worked out – and he has been in brilliant form (of late). As you can see, a couple of assists and passes to Harry Kane.
“I think, for a while, the Spurs fans just weren’t taking to him. He got a little bit of stick and it definitely affected his confidence. But right now he is in great form.”
That right wing-back role has been a problem for Spurs for a while now, with both Doherty and Emerson Royal struggling in the long run.
This change in form from Doherty is a positive sign, but it probably still won’t stop Conte from making changes to that position in the summer.
Doherty might not be one of the players to depart, and in truth, his form from now until the end of the campaign will probably dictate that.
But, one thing is for sure, he is starting to change his ways for the good because, while he may survive, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Royal, even after one season, shown the exit door.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
