Landmark Portsmouth signing questions answered at crucial moment ahead of January transfer window
There’s been big hopes over the landmark Pompey signing, but it’s not been all straightforward for Hayden Matthews so far.
The transfer fee attached to his arrival spoke of the lofty ambitions Pompey had for a defender of promise.
The £1.27m paid to acquire the services of Hayden Matthews last January may pale in comparison to the amounts we now see change hands, in an ever-spiralling Championship market.
Big Pompey fee, big Pompey hopes for Hayden Matthews
Yet a figure which represented the highest spent at PO4 in 14 years, and a record for an Aussie defender moving from the A-League, was indication of where the Blues placed the young Socceroos international in their squad planning.
And there was certainly enough seen in his six appearances last term, to see why the Sydney FC capture was valued by those who shape the club’s on-pitch strategy. Graceful in possession and with a 6ft 5in frame to grow into, Matthews’ potential was clear.
The 21-year-old was, of course, to see his season curtailed as Pompey’s crucial February victory over QPR ended like a scene from Platoon, with Matthews among the casualties. Supporters had seen enough, however, to note the same promise the club’s recruitment staff had identified.
Yet by the time centre-back had returned from ankle surgery and a new season had started, something had shifted.
The Blues privately harbored ambitions of Matthews starting the campaign as a first-choice operator in their strongest XI, yet through pre-season a number of red flags had been raised to suggest those hopes were premature.
And by the time supporters caught glimpse of a shaky Matthews showing against Reading in the Carabao Cup in August, it was clear that stance was entirely justified.
Socceroos starlet showing signs of adjusting to Championship
No doubt there would've been a degree of concern over the young talent from New South Wales and his shortcomings, at that juncture.
With Pompey’s playing budget at the back of the Championship pack, they don’t have the same luxury peers with deeper pockets are afforded if such signings aren’t moulded into bigger assets.
So those responsible for bringing Matthews to these shores would’ve been forgiven a slight sigh of relief, after what we’ve seen from this polite and friendly young chap over the past couple of games. They have to get these ones right, after all.
His performances against Blackburn Rovers and at Pride Park on Saturday showcased not just the promising attributes we’ve seen in his best moments at PO4, but also the robust qualities demanded in the ferocious confines of the Championship.
Yes, the unfortunate Derby own goal goes down against Matthews, but was superseded by some impressive distribution and shackling of £7.3m striker Patrick Agyemang. That effort was topped by an outstanding late point-saving tackle on the Rams front man.
Three starts on the spin also represents his best run of consecutive full outings, as his Pompey career shows signs of lift-off at a time when defence reinforcements remain a significant January consideration.
Matthews spoke honestly at the weekend of adapting to the physical demands of English football, and his maturing frame coming to terms with what’s required.
Likewise, the insight offered when speaking to The News was insightful over his summer hunt for fitness, as his performance levels dipped.
Now this has to be the springboard for Matthews to show why hopes are so high over what he can achieve in English football.