The key area Portsmouth have to sort out in the January transfer window
There’s injury issues and a pressing concern for the south-coast derby with Southampton, but John Mousinho has an area of the pitch which still requires transfer focus moving forward.
The goalkeeping department still poses unanswered questions over who is its most established contender.
And the middle of the back line offers immediate and pressing concerns going into the south-coast derby, against the old foe from up the M27.
Pompey boss knows key area still needs transfer focus
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Pompey’s decision to stockpile wide players looks wise amid the injuries felt in that area, and strikers is the high-tariff position central to supporters' thoughts.
But if you were to ask Blues boss John Mousinho the area of his squad which he feels is lightest, the man calling the shots would likely zero in on another area of the pitch entirely.
It’s the middle of the park that Mousinho felt was closest to being exposed coming out of the transfer window, as he surveyed his group after summer trading.
Fortunately, beyond long-term injury absentee Mark Kosznovszky, Pompey have not been dealt any further significant fitness blows there.
Perhaps the fact skipper Marlon Pack went into the international break on the back of six successive starts is telling, however.
Pack has undoubtedly been one of his side’s top performers in that time, continuing to drive standards and operate with that Teddy Sheringham-esque football intelligence which more than compensates for the quick acceleration he’s never had anyway.
But would Mousinho have wanted his 35-year-old lieutenant continually going to the well in such relentless fashion? Of course not.
Ebou Adams’ early-season wobble and Rocco Shein’s clear need for an adjustment period following his high-profile capture from Fredrikstad FK has made it a necessity, though.
Iyad Mohamed’s three league cameos have delivered a cumulative 22 minutes of action, offering insight into his settling-in process after the Comoros international’s £350,000 arrival.
Shein, no doubt, is being groomed as a long-term front-liner in one of the two deep-lying midfield positions. The initial signs in pre-season and at West Ham in the Carabao Cup on the opening day were extremely promising.
There’s concern from his boss about the requirements centrally out of possession, however, with his half-time withdrawal on two occasions amid six substitutions reflecting that.
Adams thankfully has returned to the wrecking ball levels he offers at his best, which is going to be required in the heat of Pompey’s journey into enemy territory.
John Swift and Odin Bailey offer alternative solutions, though both men will tell you operating in a double pivot is not where they are best suited.
The double whammy of Arthur’s long-term loss and Shaughnessy’s likely absence at St Mary’s Stadium, definitely offers cause for defensive concern.
Shaughnessy’s continuing inability to put a clear run of fitness together along with Madiodio Dia’s erratic displays compound the centre-back apprehension, with further transfer surgery likely required there moving forward.
And yes Colby Bishop’s travails leading the line has put another new striker once again at the fore of supporters’ thoughts.
But it’s the midfield battleground Pompey are thinking needs further attention, when transfer battle recommences in the new year.