Wolves defender Matt Doherty has expressed that Brazilian talent Matheus Cunha can occasionally exhibit a ‘Cruyff-like’ style of play.
Doherty is poised to play today against his former team Tottenham, following a brief comeback as a substitute last season.
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Furthermore, the 32-year-old feels that Wolves have found new life after securing back-to-back victories under their new coach Vitor Pereira, enabling them to distance themselves from the relegation zone as the holiday season approaches.
Doherty asserts that Cunha has been instrumental following his standout performance in the 2-0 victory against Manchester United on Boxing Day.
He not only scored directly from a corner but also provided an assist for the second goal, showcasing a range of skillful touches that thrilled fans and invited comparisons to Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff.
Doherty commented: “He’s on a different level — his quality when he’s confident is remarkable. Competing against him is quite the challenge.
“I mentioned to the other players that he makes the game appear effortless at times.
“Only a handful of players in this league can control the game with such ease. He is unquestionably among them.
“We feel fortunate to have him. His performance against Manchester United was exceptional.
“He was dominant in aerial duels and exhibited a Cruyff-like quality — executing plays typical of players of Manchester United’s elite level.”
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“It’s not merely flamboyance; that’s just how he handles high-pressure situations.
“When the score is tied at 0-0, he’s not trying to show off; he’s merely thinking at a superior level compared to most.”
Wolves fan takes extreme measures to distract Justin Kluivert during a penalty in a defeat to Bournemouth
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Cunha may face a Premier League suspension due to an incident involving an Ipswich security guard following Wolves’ home defeat on December 14.
This setback could impede Doherty’s hopes for the team to continue distancing themselves from relegation threats and establish themselves as a formidable force.
Wolves’ in-swinging corners are becoming a potent weapon — with Cunha scoring directly against United in a manner reminiscent of a strategy previously employed by Spurs during the Carabao Cup.
Doherty confirms that Wolves are perfecting their set-piece strategy — working to capitalize on opportunities while reducing goals conceded.
He played a role in Cunha’s goal against United, despite goalkeeper Andre Onana suggesting he had infringed on him.
Doherty disagreed, stating: “Football is a contact sport, isn’t it? Goalkeepers aren’t exempt from contact.
“I understand if a foul occurs when a keeper is airborne and is touched.
“However, in this case, I was simply positioning myself to block — and I believe he was positioned behind me.
“While there was some level of contact, the ball found the back of the net. Such situations are part of a goalkeeper’s life; it can be challenging for them.
“Our focus is on set-pieces, and it’s understood that everyone is aware. That was the approach we had at the corner.
“We aimed to deliver it right in front of him and see what would happen.
“Moreover, this took place in the first half, and I can’t fathom how the keeper managed to stop it; it was astonishing.”
“Set-pieces are critical in football as they can often dictate the outcome. We’ve faced difficulties with them previously.
“Nonetheless, we’ve improved in minimizing goals conceded from set-pieces, which has contributed to our victories.”
Johan Cruyff’s Career Stats
The mastermind behind the ‘Cruyff Turn’ also earned three Ballon d’Or awards…
- 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
