After four years without an out-and-out number 10, swathes of fans would agree Pompey need to recruit a specialised performer for the role.
Plenty of names have occupied the role since the return to League One. The likes of Gareth Evans, Brett Pitman, Conor Chaplin, Connor Ronan, Kyle Bennett, Ryan Williams and Michael Jacobs have all featured there.
As Danny Cowley continues his recruitment search, remedying the long-standing issue may be on his shopping list.
Here’s a look at some of the players who could fit the bill for the Pompey boss...
5. Tino Anjorin - Chelsea
Another talented teenager with a bright future ahead. Anjorin has played five times in total for the Stamford Bridge side, while he registered 11 goals and eight assists for their under-23s last season. Anjorin was also part of the travelling squad for Chelsea's Champions League triumph over Man City and recently nominated for the prestigious Golden Boy award. Hailing from Poole, a loan to PO4 could suit. Photo: Catherine Ivill
6. Matty Daly - Huddersfield
Someone who Danny Cowley worked with when in charge of the Terriers, with Daly scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win at Charlton in December 2019. The England youth international, 20, has struggled for regular minutes at Huddersfield, though, playing only six times last season. A drop to League One to gain more action could tempt. Photo: Naomi Baker
7. Felix Nmecha - free agent
The England and Germany youth international was surprisingly released by Man City at the end of the campaign, despite recording 15 goals and three assists for their under-23s. He also featured off the bench for his debut in the Champions League against Olympiacos. The fact Nmecha's a free agent means he wouldn't be cheap but Pompey could be the place for him to kickstart his senior career. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
8. Jonny Williams - free agent
A player who is a class act on his day but had well-documented injury problems. Williams made a surprise move from Charlton to Cardiff in January but was released at the end of the season. The Welshman did make 37 appearances for club and country in 2020-21, though. Photo: Harry Trump