Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes Jose Mourinho's decision to switch to a three-at-the-back formation for Spurs' clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux this evening could do wonders for Matt Doherty.
Doherty joined Spurs from Wolves at the very end of August for an undisclosed fee, with him putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.
Following his arrival in north London, the Republic of Ireland international was immediately installed as the club's new first choice right-back ahead of Serge Aurier, who had come under heavy criticism at times last season.
Doherty, after starting six of Spurs' opening eight Premier League matches, lost his place to Aurier in November after contracting coronavirus. Despite working hard in training, Mourinho continued to favour Aurier at right-back in his back-four system.
However, tonight's clash with Wolves has seen Mourinho throw the cat amongst the pigeons, handing Doherty his first Premier League start since November 8, as well as switching to a 3-5-2 system. That has meant that Doherty has been presented with the chance to work in his favoured right-wing back role against his former club.
And that change in formation from Mourinho will hand Doherty a chance to impress and force his way into the team on a regular basis, according to Redknapp.
"Playing against a back-three could suit Doherty, because when you play against Wolves you have to sometimes counter what they do," Redknapp told Sky Sports.
"Doherty has done okay since (signing from Wolves) but I am not surprised to see him come in. Aurier was in great form, but the mistake he made last week has taken him back to almost what we expected him to do.
"Unfortunately for Doherty, since he has gone there it has not quite worked out because of the system that they play.
"He has played the last few years of his career as a wing-back, he is not necessarily a right-back. For some it may be quite difficult to understand, but the defensive responsibility of going from a three to a four is a lot different for him, so it is a big game for him and he will probably enjoy it."
Tonight's clash with Wolves marks Doherty's 15th appearance for the club since his summer switch from Molineux.
