Things have not gone as well as many would have hopes since Matt Doherty's move to Spurs. Joining the club in the summer of 2020, the Irishman is already playing under his fourth manager in North London.
The wing back was first choice under Jose Mourinho after joining, although he would fall down the pecking order soon after. The arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo could have been a huge boost for the Dubliner, but the Portuguese manager seemed unwilling to give him a sustained run in the side despite knowing him well from their time together at Wolves.
Now under Antonio Conte, there have been some signs that Doherty is ready to step things up a level.
The 30-year old would seem like an ideal fit in the Italian's system, proving to be one of the most effective wingbacks in the Premier League during his time at Wolverhampton.
He has been in and out of the side since Conte's appointment, although there have been some decent performances along the way. Saturday was the best of them, with Doherty managing a goal and an assist in the 4-0 victory over Leeds United.
Matt Doherty opening his account. 💪 pic.twitter.com/M24JofEbO0
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 26, 2022
Ireland fans will be hoping that Doherty can kick on from here and put a sustained run together.
Antonio Conte praises improvement of Matt Doherty
He has impressed his manager, who admits that the defender has improved quite a bit in recent months.
Doherty is another player that is improved. He has worked a lot.
I like him because if he plays or if he doesn’t play he is committed and his attitude is always at the top. He understood that he can have an important part of this team.
With Emerson on the right, but Doherty can also play on the left and give a good alternative. I was pleased to see him at this level, also Ryan Sessegnon.
Now we have recovered Sergio Reguilon. We are improving, we are working hard, when there are defeats we have to learn and continue to improve in many aspects.
We have to use the defeats to learn, to continue to improve in many aspects, not only football aspects but also character and spirit and desire to be strong.
Matt Doherty's attitude has certainly never wavered despite not playing as often as he would have hoped over the last 18 months or so.
With Spurs chasing a top four finish in the months ahead, he could yet make a big contribution to their season.
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