Doherty Embracing Competition That Drives Tottenham Hotspur

While we keep hearing about players that seem to be backing away from competition, Matt Doherty spoke about the competition at Tottenham improving the team.

Tottenham Hotspur seemed to have a problem at both fullback positions last season, as the cover for Serge Aurier and Ben Davies was a bit short. Lacking cover, like Harry Kane, the two fullbacks were often overplayed and thus underperforming. However, with a little support and some healthy competition, better performances have resulted. This competition is something Matt Doherty spoke about improving the team following the 2-0 win over Antwerp.

Fighting for the Right Back

Since coming to Tottenham Hotspur, rather than supplanting Serge Aurier, Matt Doherty has complimented him, and it has led to both playing at high level for the club. When asked about the competition Doherty said that “we’re kind of fighting it out” and that together they are “driving each other on whether he plays, or I play”.

Doherty recognizes that the team needs both players and noted that he and Aurier have “pretty much played ½ and ½ this season” which is true as they have taken turns throughout the campaign. More importantly the two are “trying to get the best out of each other” and Doherty acknowledges that “competition in a position is going to improve the team”.

Thus, while some folks may have thought Doherty was coming to replace Aurier it is quite clear that was never the case and that this was going to be a shared position from the beginning. Further, unlike some players, the competition does not upset Doherty he loves it at Tottenham because he knows that if they keep the work up, the end result can be something magical.

Not an Easy Win

The best part of the evening was certainly the win and now likely getting a “more favorable draw” in the next round, although there are no easy games in the competition. Doherty then went on to say something that probably is not said enough, which is that just because someone has never heard of a team does not mean they are not any good.

Doherty said, “look I remember last season,” when he was at Wolves and playing in Europe for the first time. Matt continued, “every game is just difficult, people think because they haven’t heard of teams or some of the players that is an easy game. Far from it, they are obviously in this competition for a reason”.

Doherty is certainly right about that, names on the front and back of a shirt do not tell us how good a team is or how hard they play. The key according to Doherty is continuing “to stay professional” and building on the positive start.

Matt is definitely right; Spurs have started strong and if they stay professional and hungry, they will have a chance in this and every competition they face this season. As Doherty continues to work his way into the squad, we know Spurs will need him and Aurier both. Let us hope they keep pushing each other on.