Some supporters have blasted new Tottenham Hotspur signing Matt Doherty for his lacklustre display as the Republic of Ireland fell to a 1-0 defeat to Finland on Monday.
Doherty’s capture was confirmed by Tottenham a little over a week ago, with the Lilywhites reportedly paying a reported £13.4 million fee to snap him up from Wolves.
Soon after signing for Jose Mourinho’s side, the 28-year-old had to report for international duty for Ireland’s Nation League clashes against Bulgaria and Finland, as he was called up to be a part of Stephen Kenny’s first squad since being appointed as manager.
Doherty started both games as a right-back in a flat back four, ahead of captain Seamus Coleman, but the new Spurs signing failed to cover himself in glory in either match.
After being held to a 1-1 draw in Sofia last Friday, Ireland fell to a 1-0 defeat to Finland on Monday.
Doherty received scathing criticism for his performance against Finland, with some Ireland supporters claiming that the new Spurs signing is not suited to playing as a full-back in a flat back four system.
Some insisted that he needs to be played as a marauding wing-back in order to get the best out of him.
Spurs Web Opinion
Wolves fans have already pointed out that Doherty tends to get caught out of position as a defender and is not really reliable in a traditional back four. However, we do not play with a traditional back four as the right-back is essentially asked to play as a winger when we have possession of the ball. So, I do not think Doherty’s defensive frailties will be as big a problem for us as it is for Ireland.