Sky Sports pundit Danny Higginbotham has revealed he is head over heels for Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Matt Doherty after his “magnificent” season in the Premier League.
The full back has been a star performer under Nuno Espirito Santo this campaign, dazzling fans and pundits alike at both ends of the pitch as he brings width and crosses from out wide, as well as defensive resolution, to the side.
Speaking of the Republic of Ireland international, Higginbotham could not emphasise enough how important he was to Wolves, highlighting his impact in the final third.
He told Sky Sports’ Match Centre (21/03, 11:24): “He’s been magnificent. When you look at a player like Doherty and the way that he plays as well, and the system that Wolves play, the wing backs are absolutely vital.
“You look at how a wing back gets 83 touches in the opposition box – that’s third in the Wolves team – that shows you how the onus is on them. They are the only width within that team and they are the key to the success that Wolves have had.
“He’s got the assists as well and he’s very comfortable getting forward and he’ll get back with the defensive side of things as well. He’s having a great season.”
Opinion
There will not be anyone who dares argue with Higginbotham over Doherty. The Wolves man has been outstanding this season and has deservedly stolen the spotlight from his teammates – some of which are much bigger names. He is everything you want in a wing back – fast, direct, dangerous in attack and confident and composed when forced to defend – and it would be a surprise not to see some of the big boys of the Premier League linked with a move for his signing in summer. Would he want to move? Wolves are flying in their first season in the top flight and things are only looking up ahead of the summer. It would be tough to turn down a side challenging both at the top of the table as well as in Europe but Doherty could well turn down any opportunities to remain at Molineux and help take Wolves to the next level.