Portsmouth boss praised for outstanding Championship transformation of rapidly emerging Fratton favourite

John Mousinho's impressive management is the key behind Madiodio Dia’s rapid Pompey transformation.

That’s according to Ali Maxwell from the respected Not The Top 20 podcast, who has lauded the head coach for the 22-year-old’s brilliant emergence amid the Blues’ strong run of form.

The centre-back, who was signed from Norwegian outfit Haugesund at the end of the January transfer window, was the subject of some supporter criticism after Pompey’s disappointing south-coast derby defeat to Southampton earlier this month.

This prompted an emphatic response from Mousinho, who leapt to Dia’s defence and called for the Fratton faithful to get behind the young defender.

And the 1,602 supporters who made the trip to Carrow Road for last Saturday’s 1-0 triumph over Norwich City, backed the Senegalese talent from the first minute, with a large repertoire of songs from the away end.

Since his Southampton criticism Dia has put in a number of dominant displays alongside Regan Poole, which has seen him emerge as a cult figure amongst the Fratton faithful.

Pompey boss praised by EFL expert for defender’s emergence

Indeed, Mousinho’s public backing of the defender has been hailed by Maxwell, who believes the head coach’s management has been key to his rapid transformation.

Speaking on the latest Not the Top 20 episode, he said: ‘Jojo Dia, their 22-year-old Senegalese centre-back signed at the end of the January window out of Norwegian football and he is having an adaptation period, it’s fair to say.

‘He wouldn’t be starting games if Conor Shaughnessy was fit but he is starting at the moment and the nice story is that a week ago, John Mousinho said in the press - amongst some other fairly punchy comments which he’s earnt the right to do given his tenure - lads (the supporters) can you support this young centre-back a bit more.

‘Because when you project nerves from the stands because you’re not sure whether he’s quite there yet, it makes him nervous and it makes him play worse.

‘But, if you really get behind him and support him, there’s a chance it might get him to play better.

‘In this game (against Norwich), Jojo Dia’s name gets sung for the whole of the first half, plays in Mousinho’s words like he’s 6'8, he’s loving it at the end of the game and celebrating with the fans.

‘It’s really good management from Mousinho and fair play to the Pompey fans for going ‘yeah alright we’ll support him and that’s what we’ll do. And, that has helped them win so I really like that story.’

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Midfielder’s classy emergence recognised by EFL experts

While Dia’s performances were highlighted in the recent up-turn in form, Maxwell also highlighted the contributions of Iyad Mohamed in midfield.

The summer signing has started all of the Blues’ previous three matches, which has seen them claim seven points out of a possible nine.

And the Comoros international’s displays are already making their mark on the Not The Top 20 co-host.

Maxwell added: ‘I mentioned Marezi but Iyad Mohamed is another new name for the pod worth a mention.

‘A 25-year-old midfielder from Comoros, a lovely langued lefty who is showing some really good signs on the ball.

‘(He) has had a few very good games and offers a bit of ball progression to help Marlon Pack, who has been overly relied upon on the front in Pompey’s midfield. And then a nice story at the back.’

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