Matt Doherty started his first game for Rob Edwards as Wolves lost to Arsenal.
The Irishman had been ruled out of action for the Old Gold through injury but returned to the squad against Nottingham Forest.
He was only available for the bench, and the same was true for the following fixture against Manchester United.
However, he would then start against the Gunners, and his display has prompted compliments from Wolves legend Andy Thompson.
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Despite defeat, there were plenty of positives to take away from that Wolves performance.
Andy Thompson pinpoints Matt Doherty’s experience and quality against Arsenal
Wolves have plenty of options at right wing-back, with both Jackson Tchatchoua and Ki-Jana Hoever starting matches before playing Arsenal.
For Matt Doherty, that makes getting into the side all the more difficult, and with the pace of Tchatchoua an asset that could be utilised, he’ll need to work hard to ensure he keeps his place after starting vs the Gunners.
With the Arsenal display being one of Wolves’ better performances this season, Andy Thompson has picked out two traits that Doherty offered the Wanderers.
Speaking on the Official Wolves Podcast, Thompson said, “I think Doherty coming into the team has helped the team. I am not saying it is just him, but his experience and quality have helped the team.”
If Wolves had to start one at right wing-back, who actually deserves it: Doherty, Tchatchoua, or Hoever?
All three have started under Rob Edwards.
Doherty will now be hoping he has impressed his head coach enough to warrant a start against Brentford.
There are multiple players who could be vying for a starting role on Saturday, including Mateus Mane.
Jackson Tchatchoua and Ki-Jana Hoever have yet to nail down consistent starting roles
Rob Edwards has seemingly given a fresh chance for each of his right wing-backs, as all three have started at least one across his opening five matches.
It is perhaps the one position where Edwards is spoilt for choice, and he may not know who his best option is.
That leaves room for any of the three to emerge as the consistent starting man. However, all three offer different qualities, and he may opt to use them depending on the opponent.
Doherty’s experience against the top-end sides can be useful, Tchatchoua’s pace against sides with slower full-backs, and Hoever’s defensive qualities against tricky wingers.
Time will tell who gets the most game time.
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