WOLVES defender Matt Doherty believes that Brazilian sensation Matheus Cunha can be ‘Cruyff-like’ at times.

Doherty is set to play against his former club Tottenham today, having made a late substitute appearance against them last season.

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Moreover, the 32-year-old feels that Wolves have been revitalized after claiming two consecutive victories under new coach Vitor Pereira, providing them with some distance from the relegation zone during the festive period.

Doherty also stated that Cunha has played a crucial role following his impressive performance in the 2-0 win over Manchester United on Boxing Day.

He not only scored directly from a corner but also provided an assist for the second goal, demonstrating his technical skills that thrilled fans and drew comparisons to Dutch football icon Johan Cruyff.

Doherty commented: “He’s on a whole different level — the quality he shows when he’s confident is exceptional. It’s challenging to go up against him.

“I’ve told my teammates that he makes the game seem effortless at times.

“Only a handful of players in this league can play with such fluidity. He is certainly one of them.

“We’re fortunate to have him. His performance against Manchester United was outstanding all match long.

“He was winning aerial duels and appeared to channel a Cruyff-like style — creating moves you typically associate with Manchester United players.”

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“That’s not just showing off. It’s his approach to dealing with high-pressure situations.

“When the score is 0-0, he’s not being flashy; he’s simply thinking on a level that’s above others.”

Wolves fan takes extreme measures to distract Justin Kluivert during a penalty in a loss to Bournemouth

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Cunha may also face disciplinary action from the Premier League following an incident involving a security guard at Ipswich after Wolves’ defeat on December 14.

This could pose a challenge as Doherty aims for the Wanderers to break free from relegation fears and establish themselves as a strong competitor.

The in-swinging corners for Wolves have become a powerful strategy — with Cunha scoring directly against United, mirroring Spurs’ approach earlier this month in the Carabao Cup.

Doherty confirms Wolves are refining their set-piece strategies to convert chances and minimize goals against them.

His involvement in Cunha’s goal against United faced criticism from keeper Andre Onana, who alleged obstruction.

Doherty responded, stating: “Football is a contact sport, isn’t it? Goalkeepers are not invulnerable.

“While it can be a foul if a keeper is in the air and gets touched, I was just establishing my position to block — and I believe he was behind me anyway.

“There was some contact, but it ended up in the far corner. Such things are part of the game for keepers; it can be tough on them.

“We’re focusing on set-pieces and I think everyone is aware of that. That was our plan for the corner.

“We wanted to direct it right at him and see how it went.

“Also, it happened in the first half, and I’m baffled how the keeper managed to react — it was incredible.”

“Set-pieces play a vital role in the game. They can impact the final result significantly. We’ve had challenges with them in the past.

“Nonetheless, we’ve gotten better at conceding fewer goals from them, and winning games seems to follow.”

Johan Cruyff’s Career Stats

The mastermind behind the ‘Cruyff Turn’ also secured three Ballon d’Or titles…

• 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