Tottenham news: Pundit issues ‘huge’ Matt Doherty claim after ‘remarkable’ development
Kevin Phillips is thrilled to see Tottenham defender Matt Doherty’s “remarkable turnaround” in north London.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Premier League striker said the 30-year-old deserves “huge credit” for his recent form.
Doherty starred for Antonio Conte’s side on Sunday in a 5-1 win over Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Playing left wing-back in the absence of the injured Ryan Sessegnon and Sergio Reguilon, Doherty made two clearances, two accurate long balls and scored in the victory. [WhoScored]
As quoted by Football.London (3 April), Conte heaped praise on the wing-back for his “great” display.
When asked for his thoughts on Doherty’s improvement, Phillips told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “I love seeing things like that.
“Huge credit to the player because people were writing him off. I even thought the time had come for him to move on. It has been a remarkable turnaround.
“He played left wing-back on Sunday which shows that the manager believes in him. He is clearly loving his football.
“Conte wants energy in those positions and Doherty gives him that. Spurs ran all over Newcastle in that second half and Doherty was a big part of that.
“Credit to the player and credit to the manager. He has put his faith in Doherty and he’s performed.”
Doherty has made 25 appearances across all competitions this season.
His contract runs until the summer of 2024.
In other news, Tottenham have been told to ‘build their team around’ one player ‘for the next 10 years’ after what an expert has just seen.