Benjy Arthur’s exciting Portsmouth promise as Brentford arrival’s touted as one of England’s best, young defenders
There’s been plenty of noise around the former Celtic loanee - the Brentford signing is determined to ‘live up to the hype’ in the Championship at Fratton Park.
Benjy Arthur is ready to fulfil his billing as one of the best, young emerging defenders in English football at Pompey.
And the Brentford arrival believes he can take his game to the ‘next level’ at Fratton Park this season, after a promising start to life at PO4.
Arthur made an eye-catching first full appearance at Lincoln City last weekend, following on from a second-half cameo on the opening day against QPR.
The 20-year-old picked up plaudits for his efforts at Sincil Bank, with there plenty of noise surrounding the promising Celtic loanee in his career to date.
Pompey sporting director, Rich Hughes, heralded Arthur as one of the brightest, young defenders in English football after his capture on a season-long deal from Brentford.
Meanwhile, Brentford B head coach, Sam Saunders has highlighted the England under-20 international as the ‘real deal’ and a player with ‘serious potential’ - as reported through Not The Top 20 Podcast.
The noise is something Arthur is taking in his stride, but also something the centre-back believes he can live up to this term.
He said: ‘It’s great to hear some of the things being said about me and to have the backing of the likes of Rich (Hughes) himself and John (Mousinho) is great.
‘Having those expectations is a part of the game, so I’m going to fight and I’m going to work every day to try to live up to the hype around me.
‘So that means keep pushing and then put in some strong performances as a result of that.
‘I want to be strong on and off the ball and I like to play football out from the back, when the opportunity is there.
‘I’m a talker and like to talk and communicate to others around me on the pitch.
‘I’d like to think I bring a calming presence at the back and that can be a part of a good pathway for the team this season.
‘I also absolutely like the fighting and physicality which the Championship brings.
‘It’s all part of the learning and I think that is something which can help take my game to the next level - I’m really looking forward to doing that.’
Unsurprisingly, Arthur’s potential availability this summer on loan generated plenty of interest from potential suitors.
That is something the former Peterborough United man has confirmed, but his destination was always going to be Fratton Park.
That became clear after discussions with Mousinho, where the Pompey boss conveyed clear plans for the player’s development which immediately won him over.
Arthur added: ‘There were a few other teams keen and there’s always interest, but as soon as I heard about Portsmouth it was quite a clear decision from my point of view.
‘The manager was a big appeal of coming here, speaking to the manager made a big impact on me.
‘He presented quite a clear pathway for me, which was why I chose to come here after speaking to him.
‘Once we had our first conversation I was so eager and keen to get here.
‘Playing at Fratton Park also speaks for itself, with the first game giving me a feel for the fans and what it’s going to be like this season.’