Live

Repeat: Off The Ball

02:00 AM-05:00 AM

Repeat: Off The Ball
Advertisement

Sport

Matt Doherty might suit La Liga - The Football Show

Matt Doherty's move to Atletico Madrid might be beneficial for him and his Ireland career.



Irish journalist Dan McDonnell joined The Football Show to discuss Matt Doherty.

Matt Doherty surprisingly moved to Atletico Madrid on the final day of the transfer window.

Tottenham signed Pedro Porro, making Doherty redundant in his right-wing-back position. It's a surprise because Antonio Conte was a fan of the Ireland international entering the season and he was not necessarily playing poorly this year.

Doherty took time to get his fitness back after suffering a serious injury toward the end of last season.

He's following the path of Kieran Trippier. The England international left Tottenham for Atletico Madrid and had great success. He then got a big-money move to Newcastle. Tottenham likely regret letting Trippier go at this stage. And they might regret letting Doherty go too.

Dan McDonnell believes that Doherty will fit in well in La Liga.

"I also think Matt Doherty is a good player," McDonnell said.

"People's reactions, there's a sarcastic tone to some elements of it. How has he got that move? And as I mention the Premier League is so strong now people have to reframe their expectations around that.

"Understand that if he can play high up in the Premier League, [he can play for Atletico].

"Atletico Madrid have Molina from Argentina. World Cup winner. He's got good competition in the position. But presumably, he's been brought in to have an involvement. But also Matt Doherty generally has played his best football for Ireland against better teams.

"Watch Matt Doherty play against Portugal...he was excellent. You sort of realize he's probably someone who could be quite suited with some of his attributes, to playing in a different country."

Doherty will first have to win over the trust of his new manager in defence. If he can do that, then playing regularly in La Liga should help him be a better player for Ireland.

Atletico face Getafe on Saturday for their next game.

Sean Dyche's playing style is better than most people realize - Kevin Kilbane

 

Football on Off The Ball brought to you by Sky. All the football you love in one place across Sky Sports, BT Sport & Premier Sports.

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Antonio Conte Atletico Madrid Kieran Trippier Matt Doherty Tottenahm