‘Different dynamic’: The key missing ingredient invigorating Portsmouth’s season
The Santos loan arrival has enjoyed a brilliant week - capped by his maiden Pompey goal at Millwall. Marlon Pack outlines what Gustavo Caballero is offering his new side.
Gustavo Caballero has been hailed as the missing piece of Pompey’s Championship jigsaw after his breakout week in English football.
And Blues skipper Marlon Pack has lauded the ‘different dynamic’ the Paraguayan flier has brought to the table, after his maiden Fratton goal in the statement 3-1 win at Millwall.
Caballero capped an impressive display at The Den with the opening strike seconds after the restart, lashing home a fine finish from a tight angle as his initial drive was saved by Anthony Patterson.
The 24-year-old has now delivered eye-catching back-to-back starts, after helping his side to wins against Charlton Athletic and Alex Neil’s men.
Pack noted how the loanee has brought a direct threat to the right flank, one which Pompey has struggled to offer for much of the campaign.
Caballero’s pace and ability to put opponents on the back foot is also allowing his side to get a foothold in other areas of the pitch.
Pack broke down how the Santos arrival is providing key ingredients, while showcasing attributes which suggest he can thrive in the Championship.
He said: ‘People may rush to make a judgement (over a South American adapting to English football), but there’s a real tenacious side to him.
‘Gustavo’s deceptively quick, very quick, and I’ve seen the numbers. His goal was a prime example of that.
‘He gives us a different dynamic, one that we haven’t had all season.
‘He really poses a threat on that right-hand side, our top line and the opposition’s back line.
‘He can be really aggressive and it’s allows us to play a little bit behind him. We can also get him on the ball in really dangerous areas.’
It’s been a fine period for Pompey’s right flank, with Caballero’s display coming off the back of Terry Devlin’s two-goal super show at Charlton.
The pair are negotiating the language barrier, with Pack explaining how the Blues are focussing on key phrases to help the man from San Lorenzo get through games.
Pack added: ‘Gustavo and Terry are striking up a really impressive understanding on that right-hand side. It’s massive.’
‘We’ve got the translator out - and that’s just for Terry!
‘We’ve got some key words and principles. The gaffer translates in meetings and some of the lads are learning them, so we can shout them out on the pitch and help our understanding.’