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...
9. Callum Camps - Fleetwood
The former Rochdale man has proven himself one of the best goalscoring midfielders in League One. Last season, he bagged 11 times and created three in 48 games for the Cod Army. Camps has a year left on his Fleetwood deal so would command a fee. Photo: Clive Brunskill
10. Rubin Colwill - Cardiff
The 19-year-old enjoyed a whirlwind season, going from the Bluebirds' under-23s to making six Championship appearances before being handed his senior Wales bow against France last month. Colwill's clearly a player on the up and Cardiff could look to loan him out to continue his progress. Photo: Harry Trump
11. Anthony Evans - SC Paderborn
The former Everton forward's move to Germany didn't quite work out last season. He ended up joined Crewe in January where played 14 times. A former England youth international, a move back to England may prove appealing for Evans. He's also represented Blackpool in League One in the past. Photo: Charles McQuillan
12. Erhun Oztumer - free agent
The diminutive playmaker is a handful and hit 15 goals in successive seasons for Walsall earlier in his career. Things didn't quite go to plan for Oztumer last season on loan at relegated Bristol Rovers but he is a real talent on his day. The 30-year-old was released by Charlton at the end of the campaign. Photo: Catherine Ivill