Wolves defender Matt Doherty has opened up on his recent run of gametime under Gary O’Neil, talking positively about one blossoming partnership between himself and one of the Old Gold’s best this season.
While Wolves’ front line has been struck by injury to expose the lack of depth in recent weeks, Gary O’Neil has been relieved of some stress by having defensive resources to cover for absences at the back.
There’s been a contrasting solution to covering for attacking injuries and defensive absences, with the manager calling on academy starlets to lead the line, while the likes of seasoned Premier League ace Matt Doherty, have been waiting in the wings to help in behind.
Doherty, who has 147 appearances in the top flight under his belt, has been called into action recently, taking up positions all over the pitch to help the boss at a time of dire need for depth.
Against Luton, the Irishman was fielded at right-wing-back, playing ahead of Nelson Semedo who assumed a role in the back three, with the 31-year-old working seamlessly with the former Barcelona star.
Matt Doherty opens up about recent pairing with Nelson Semedo
During Wolves’ 2-1 win over the Hatters, Doherty and Semedo unearthed all kinds of problems for Rob Edwards’ side, causing havoc on the right flank by interchanging between who was to go forward and stay back.
Speaking to the club’s official media, Doherty explained his enjoyment of partnering with the £37m 2020 signing against Luton.
“I think it was natural [to take turns attacking]. It wasn’t a game plan, it was just natural, we were linking together, and we did it against Burnley away, and it worked quite well.
“We may overplay a little bit, but we’re confident players, we obviously believe in our own ability and each other, so when we give the ball to each other, it’s because we have full confidence in each other.”
To see the partnership blossom on the right would have been a joy for O’Neil, who has found so much success this season in seeing a similar threat applied to the left side through Rayan Ait-Nouri and Toti Gomes.
Matt Doherty and Nelson Semedo were impressive against Luton
With Craig Dawson out for the season and Santiago Bueno unavailable due to a hamstring injury, O’Neil was forced to test Semedo’s adaptability playing on the right side of his back three, something that worked well.
Arguably, without the defensive support and experience of Doherty, the Portugal international’s position against Luton may not have been so effective, with the numbers proving just how well they worked together.
Matt Doherty & Nelson Semedo’s statistics vs Luton Town
For all of Wolves’ squad and injury woes this term, O’Neil has found some temporary sanctuary in being able to play Semedo and Doherty together on the right side, with the duo’s experience shining through at Molineux during Saturday’s contest.
The next test will be another level, as Manchester City away awaits, with the defence set to be put through its paces at the Etihad.
