Matt Doherty @ Atletico Madrid

[danielneeds]

He's exactly what Wolves fans said he was. When we signed him people went a bit OTT based on his goals/assists but the reality is that he's strong in the attacking third, decent in the defensive third and pretty poor in between.

He's never been a progressive passer, he's never been an elite 1v1 defender. He's aggressive and his attacking movement is excellent.

Against teams where we can take more risks he'll be a good outlet (see the first half v Newcastle), but aside from that Aurier remains the better player across the 90 minutes, despite his irritating moments of madness.

I kind of knew he wouldn't be the total answer there, but wasn't quite prepared for how flat-footed he is defensively. McNeil did him like a kipper a couple of times. I'm sure his attacking instinct will come to the fore this season and result in some big goals or chances, and he's make Aurier raise his game, but hopefully we'll sell the latter next summer when he's got a year on his deal and buy someone really elite for this position with Doherty as a specialist type player for certain matches.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

He has plugged a gap for us and his aerial ability is useful but clearly isn't an upgrade on Aurier from the first few matches i've seen of him.

Think he’s still getting used to playing RB and getting up to speed with our team. I think he is an upgrade from Aurier in ways but he does get beat 1v1 a bit too easily.

 

[SargeantMeatCurtains]

Agree with your point and agree that Doherty was poor but actually think McNeil is a really good little player. Basically Burnley's only technical outlet.

Oh yeah, I’m probably being way harsh on McNeil but I think it’s ridiculous for some to say just because they didn’t score from his errors, he kept them quiet. If it had been the likes of Mane or Sterling, we would be laying into Doherty for allowing them to go past him with such ease.

 

[WiganSpur]

Think he’s still getting used to playing RB and getting up to speed with our team. I think he is an upgrade from Aurier in ways but he does get beat 1v1 a bit too easily.

They have different qualities. Aurier has more pace and has a much better delivery whereas Doherty probably has less of a rash challenge in him and is better in the air like I said. Not too much between them defensively but Aurier probably takes that one just about.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

Agree with your point and agree that Doherty was poor but actually think McNeil is a really good little player. Basically Burnley's only technical outlet.

Yea McNeil is a very tidy player no shame in getting beaten by him but just happened a little too often, but give the man time my god he’s only played about 5 games for us and is adapting to playing RB as that’s is different to RWB.

 

[tobi]

Reguilon has instant chemistry and impact (going forward), it looks like Doherty is going to take some time to get used to everything new.

 

[spursfan77]

If son wasn’t there he’d of probably scored the winner tonight. Look at his position on the goal, he was ready to swoop on and score if Son wasn’t in that position.

 

[SpartanSpur]

I think he's struggling to adapt but will get there eventually. Has some unique attributes that could come me in handy once he gels with his team-mates.

Good news is he's bringing competition to the position.

As others have said if we can shift Aurier and bring in someone at RB. Maybe someone like Aarons to help with the homegrown quota.

 

[DanNolan]

I think he's struggling to adapt but will get there eventually. Has some unique attributes that could come me in handy once he gels with his team-mates.

Good news is he's bringing competition to the position.

As others have said if we can shift Aurier and bring in someone at RB. Maybe someone like Aarons to help with the homegrown quota.

If we shift Aurier over Doherty wed be mad

 

[Mark_147]

If we shift Aurier over Doherty wed be mad

Yep he's definitely not a full back.

 

[DEFchenkOE]

Doesn't look comfortable in a back 4 really, gets beat way too easily on the touchline in 1v1s and doesn't have great recovery pace. Very good in the air and does play some intelligent balls into the box as opposed to just lumping it in. But his basic defensive attributes are not great let's be honest. One Burnley player literally just walked past him like he wasn't there.

 

[KikoSpurs]

The problem with right-backs is... there aren't many elite ones available.

 

[DJS]

He has really dark hair but his beard is ginger oddly.

Think he needs to touch up his beard up when he does his hair.

 

[amathews3416]

Would rather a player get beat 1 v 1 as opposed to giving away a silly foul in dangerous positions against a strong, physical side, like Burnley that thrives on set pieces. Aurier seems to make a habit of giving up stupid fouls in those positions I'm talking about.

 

[yankspurs]

The problem with right-backs is... there aren't many elite ones available.

There arent. But there are good ones if we look hard enough and expand the horizons to those RB’s shorter than 6’. We also didnt need an elite RB. A good one would have sufficed. We just needed an actual RB. Now we’re shoehorning Doherty into a role he isnt suited for.

 

[glacierSpurs]

Some of you are probably being forgetful that Aurier will play some dumb brainfart moments in games.

Writing off Doherty and think we will look into a new RB is plain ridiculous. Probably just a bad day in office, he definitely can be cut some slacks.

Not saying either one of them is better, but both have their strengths and weaknesses. Saying preferring one over the other will be a massive mistake in this long season and I only trust Mourinho in making the best assessment of playing whoever suits the role against the types of opponents best.

 

[ardiles]

Given time, I think Jose will help him improve the defensive side of his game.

 

[TheChosenOne]

He has really dark hair but his beard is ginger oddly.

Think he needs to touch up his beard up when he does his hair.

This is an Irish genetic trait. Very common.

 

[SlotBadger]

This is an Irish genetic trait. Very common.

My beard has a ginger tint when I grow it out. A few of my mates have jet black hair with bright ginger stubble. Think it’s pretty common across the board.

 

[DogsOfWar]

Oh yeah, I’m probably being way harsh on McNeil but I think it’s ridiculous for some to say just because they didn’t score from his errors, he kept them quiet. If it had been the likes of Mane or Sterling, we would be laying into Doherty for allowing them to go past him with such ease.

if we were playing against Mane or Sterling we'd play Aurier for the reasons you state.

but against Burnley their biggest threat is aerial so we played Doherty and Davies which negated it. Also, in tight games, an unforced error is also less likely with these two.

The clean sheet (and their historical assists from that position) backs up Burnleys lack of effectiveness from beating a man and going on to score.

Mourinho made a tactical decision to use our FBs to counteract Burnleys strengths and it worked.

no-one is going to argue that it would be great to have FBs who could dominate in the air, be great defensively, and provide plenty going forward, but we do have FBs who have elements of these that can be played depending on the situation and Doherty showed those last night.