Wolves defender Matt Doherty was in action for the Republic of Ireland against Senegal on Friday night, and the media have now rated his performance.
Matt Doherty endured a weird 2024/25 campaign for Wolves. He was used sporadically as a wing-back by Gary O’Neil during the first 16 matches, and that was expected to continue when Vitor Pereira was named manager.
However, Pereira transformed Doherty into a centre-back in his first match in charge against Leicester City, and from there, his place in the team was rarely under threat.
The 33-year-old formed an incredible partnership with January signing Emmanuel Agbadou and Toti Gomes, while admitting that the position change has given Doherty a ‘new lease of life’.
The Irishman now heads into pre-season with a spring in his step, but before he jets off on his break, he’s in action for his nation.
Photo By Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Photo By Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Doherty has always played as a full-back or wing-back, but now he’s transitioned into a more central defensive role at Wolves, even his country are starting to take notice.
The former Tottenham star was deployed on the right of a back three on Friday night as the hosts drew 1-1 against Senegal.
The Wolves man played 67 minutes before being replaced by Killian Phillips, and now, the Irish media have assessed his performance.
MORE WOLVES STORIES
Balls.ie rated him a 6/10 and wrote: “Doherty showed some nice touches on the ball in this game, with the Dubliner completely untested defensively in the opening half.”
Meanwhile, the Irish Mirror agreed with that rating, writing: “An inadvertent contribution to Ireland’s opener and plenty of attacking play from the Wolves man, who made way in the 66th minute.”
But it was the Irish Sun who gave him the highest rating of 7, while praising his ‘rock solid’ defensive work. They wrote: “The 33-year-old does not bomb up the wing as he used to but uses the ball brilliantly and was rock solid in defence whenever Senegal looked to attack down Ireland’s right flank.”
Doherty stats vs Senegal
It was a steady evening for Doherty, who didn’t put a foot wrong in a defensive or attacking sense.
The Irishman did what was needed, perhaps not overexerting himself after a long season, with this game being played at a moderate pace.
Matt Doherty’s stats vs Senegal
67 minutes played
2/3 ground duels won
29/34 accurate passes (85%)
2/3 long balls accurate
1 successful dribble
1 tackle
The Republic of Ireland play Luxembourg in their final friendly on Tuesday evening before Doherty and the rest of his teammates enjoy a well-earned break.