
Wolves defender Matt Doherty is of the opinion that Brazilian talent Matheus Cunha can exhibit moments reminiscent of Johan Cruyff.
Doherty is gearing up to compete today against his former team Tottenham, following a brief appearance as a substitute last season.
Furthermore, the 32-year-old believes that Wolves have regained momentum after securing back-to-back wins under new manager Vitor Pereira, subsequently distancing themselves from relegation threats over the holiday period.
Doherty asserts that Cunha has been instrumental, particularly following his remarkable display in the 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Boxing Day.
During this match, not only did he score directly from a corner kick, but he also set up the second goal with a series of dazzling techniques that thrilled supporters and invited comparisons to the legendary Johan Cruyff.
Doherty commented: “He operates on a different level; the caliber he displays when he has confidence is extraordinary. Challenging him is quite difficult.
“I have informed the other players that he can make the game appear effortless at times.
“Only a handful of players in this league can maneuver the game with such grace. He is undoubtedly one of them.
“We are lucky to have him on our team. His performance against Manchester United was exceptional.
“He was dominant in aerial contests and exhibited a Cruyff-like flair — executing moves typically expected from players of Manchester United’s caliber.”
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“It’s not just about showboating; it’s his method of tackling high-pressure situations.
“When the score is level, he isn’t trying to be flashy; he’s simply processing the game at a level that’s above most.”
A Wolves fan attempts extreme measures to distract Justin Kluivert during a penalty in their match against Bournemouth
Additionally, Cunha may face a suspension in the Premier League following an incident involving a security guard during Wolves’ home defeat on December 14.
Such a setback could obstruct Doherty’s aspirations for the Wanderers to further establish themselves and evade potential relegation by solidifying their performance.
The in-swinging corners from Wolves have proven to be a valuable tactic, with Cunha scoring directly from one against United, echoing a similar approach that Spurs executed in the Carabao Cup earlier this month.
Doherty confirms that Wolves are honing their set-piece strategies — focusing on leveraging opportunities while reducing goals conceded.
He played a part in Cunha’s goal against United, even though keeper Andre Onana suggested he had interfered.
Doherty argued: “Football is a contact sport, right? Goalkeepers shouldn’t be shielded from contact.
“I understand that a foul could be called if a keeper is airborne and is nudged.
“However, in this case, I was just positioning myself to block — and I believe he was behind me anyway.
“While there was some contact, the ball went into the far corner. Such incidents happen; it’s tough for goalkeepers.
“We’re concentrating on set pieces, and naturally, everyone is aware of that. That was the corner plan.
“Our intention was to deliver it right on top of him and see what followed.
“Also, this took place in the first half, and I still can’t understand how the keeper managed to halt it; it was remarkable.”
“Set pieces are vital in football as they can sway the game. We have faced issues with them previously.
“However, we’ve improved by conceding fewer goals from set pieces, contributing to more wins.”
Johan Cruyff’s Career Stats

The innovator of the ‘Cruyff Turn’ garnered three Ballon d’Or awards throughout his career…
- 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