WOLVES defender Matt Doherty expresses his belief that Brazilian talent Matheus Cunha can show ‘Cruyff-like’ skills on occasion.

Doherty is ready to take to the pitch today against his old team Tottenham, having made a short appearance as a substitute last season.

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Moreover, the 32-year-old feels that Wolves have rejuvenated themselves after securing two consecutive victories under their new head coach Vitor Pereira, allowing them to distance themselves from relegation concerns during the festive season.

Doherty asserts that Cunha has been instrumental following his standout performance in the 2-0 triumph over Manchester United on Boxing Day.

He not only scored a direct goal from a corner kick, but he also contributed to the second goal, showcasing an array of skilled touches that thrilled fans and invited comparisons to Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff.

Doherty commented: “He operates at an entirely different level — the quality he exhibits when he’s in form is remarkable. Going up against him presents a significant challenge.

“I told my teammates that he sometimes makes the game appear effortless.

“Only a handful of players in this league can move through the game with such grace. He is undoubtedly one of them.

“We feel lucky to have him. He was phenomenal during the match against Manchester United.

“He was winning aerial duels and showcased Cruyff-like skills — executing plays you would typically expect from players of Manchester United’s stature.”

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“It’s not just flair; that’s simply his approach to handling pressure situations.

“With the score at 0-0, he’s not showing off; he’s simply thinking at a higher level than most.”

Wolves fan employs extreme measures to distract Justin Kluivert during a penalty in a match against Bournemouth

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Cunha may also face a suspension in the Premier League following an incident involving an Ipswich security guard after Wolves’ home defeat on December 14.

This potential setback could derail Doherty’s aspirations for the Wanderers to fortify their position away from relegation threats and establish themselves as a competitive force.

The effectiveness of Wolves’ in-swinging corners has been notable — with Cunha scoring directly against United, echoing a strategy used by Spurs in an earlier Carabao Cup match this month.

Doherty confirms that Wolves are honing their set-piece strategies — focusing on seizing opportunities while minimizing goals lost.

He played a role in Cunha’s goal against United, despite goalkeeper Andre Onana claiming he was obstructed.

Doherty disagreed, stating: “Football is a contact sport, isn’t it? Goalkeepers aren’t exempt from contact.

“I understand that a foul might be called if a keeper is airborne and collides.

“But in this case, I was just positioning myself to block — and I believe he was behind me all along.

“While there was some contact, the ball went into the far corner. Such scenarios can occur to goalkeepers; it’s challenging for them.

“We’re concentrating on set-pieces, and it’s expected that everyone is aware of that. That was the objective at the corner.

“We aimed to place it right on top of him and see how it pans out.

“Moreover, this happened in the first half, and I can’t fathom how the keeper managed to stop it; it was incredible.”

“Set-pieces are vital in the game as they can impact the final score. We’ve struggled with them previously.

“However, we’ve improved at conceding fewer goals from set-pieces, leading to more victories.”

Johan Cruyff’s Career Stats

The genius behind the ‘Cruyff Turn’ also earned three Ballon d’Or trophies…

• Ajax, 1964-1973: 329 matches, 257 goals

• Barcelona, 1973-1978: 227 matches, 85 goals

• Los Angeles Aztecs, 1979: 26 matches, 15 goals

• Washington Diplomats, 1980: 26 matches, 10 goals

• Levante, 1980-1981: 10 matches, 2 goals

• Washington Diplomats, 1981: 5 matches, 2 goals

• Ajax, 1981-1983: 46 matches, 16 goals

• Feyenoord, 1983-1984: 44 matches, 13 goals

• Netherlands, 1966-1977: 48 matches, 33 goals

Trophies

• Ajax: Eredivisie x8, Dutch Cup x5, European Cup x3, European Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup

• Barcelona: La Liga, Copa del Rey

• Feyenoord: Eredivisie, Dutch Cup

Managerial Career

• Ajax, 1985-1988: P117 W86 D10 L21

• Barcelona, 1988-1996: P430 W250 D97 L83

• Catalonia, 2009-2013: P4 W2 D2 L0

Trophies

• Ajax: Dutch Cup x2, European Cup Winners’ Cup

• Barcelona: La Liga x4, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup x3, European Cup, European Cup Winners’ Cup, European Super Cup