'I've played it many times': Portsmouth's Ebou Adams on why he is suited to be a number 10
At the London Stadium, the popular 30-year-old completed his first 90 minutes for the Blues since March
Ebou Adams is convinced he possesses the qualities to thrive in the number 10 role for Pompey.
And the 30-year-old is adamant he is no stranger to the position, having featured there ‘many times’ over his playing career.
Adams was also included in the starting XI against the Hammers, albeit pushed into the number 10 role he previously occupied for Mousinho at QPR in March.
On that occasion, Pompey’s head coach received criticism over the decision, which resulted in a 6-1 defeat
But the former Cardiff man was back as a number 10 in Saturday’s 3-1 loss at the London Stadium.
‘I’ve played as a 10 many times, I know the role’
Adams told The News: ‘As a player, you have to take it as a blessed opportunity to be on the pitch. The gaffer sees me in the 10, he sees qualities which I can be in that 10, so I’m happy to do so.
‘On Saturday, I thought I had opportunities to get on the ball in those final-third areas, then in the last 30 he put me as an eight and I enjoyed it too. As long as I play, I’m happy.
‘I’ve played as a 10 many times, I know the role. Maybe people see a 10 differently, but the way I was employed as a 10 previously is probably the same way they do it now.
‘That’s in terms of getting on the ball in the final third, if Colby drops in short I can spin in behind, being a physical threat with Colby to make up seconds, even picking up the ball in little pockets. I really enjoy it.
‘Pompey want me to get more goals, which I personally feel I should. I had an opportunity against West Ham and probably should have been ruthless with a header.
‘Pressing is also my game from that position, that is non-negotiable. As long as you give 110 per cent every game, that's what fans want.’
First 90 minutes since March
Saturday represented a welcome first 90 minutes for Adams since March, having been impacted by injury ever since.
A knee injury sustained in that defeat at QPR dragged on into pre-season, sidelining him from the early part of the Blues’ summer friendlies.
He returned against Wycombe as a 12-minute substitute, before starting at Darmstadt - then completing the full match against West Ham.
And Adams is encouraged he is now over the next hurdle of his first-team comeback.
He added: ‘I was blowing on 85 minutes, it was very hot out there, so I was happy to complete the full game.
‘I got 62 minutes against Darmstadt, even though I tried to ask the gaffer to let me play a little longer. He said we have to manage your minutes!
‘I’m feeling good, that’s 90 minutes I’ve now got through, no injuries, and I’m getting stronger mentally and physically.’