Portsmouth transfers: Performance analyst gives expert verdict on latest Fratton Park signing from Middlesbrough: gallery

By Mark McMahon

Published 2nd Jul 2024, 17:40 BST

Updated 2nd Jul 2024, 17:52 BST

Pompey’s summer recuitment drive is beginning to take shape.

After announcing three new signings last week - plus Marlon Pack’s contract renewal - the Blues started July by welcoming another new addition to the fold.

Middlesbrough winger Sammy Silvera has arrived on a season-long to bolster Pompey’s attacking options ahead of their Championship return. The Australia international is highly-rated at the Riverside Stadium. But with competition for places at Boro set to intensify this season, the decision to grant the 23-year-old a loan move to aid his development was sanctioned.

Pompey will hope to maximise Silvera’s obvious potential at Fratton Park - something they’ve mastered in recent seasons with the likes of Abu Kamara, Alex Robertson and Di’Shon Bernard during their PO4 loans.

But what exactly will Kusini Yengi’s Socceroos team-mate bring to the table at Fratton Park? How will he fit into John Mousinho’s system? And what’s going to get supporters off their seats when he’s on the ball?

Well, once again, we’ve enlisted the help of PFSA Level 2 technical scout & performance analyst - plus social media influencer and Pompey fan - @SonStats to find out. Here’s his breakdown of the exciting 23-year-old’s game.

Sammy Silvera is Pompey's fifth signing of the transfer window

1. Sammy Silvera is Pompey's fifth signing of the transfer window

Sammy Silvera is Pompey's fifth signing of the transfer window | Portsmouth FC

Age: 23 (25/10/2000). Height: 5'7" (1.73m). Weight: 69kg (152lbs). Listed previous clubs: Western Sydney Wanderers, Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets, Middlesbrough. Nationality: Australian. Preferred foot: Right. Natural position: LW (can also play RW, AM and CF).

2. Player profile

Age: 23 (25/10/2000). Height: 5'7" (1.73m). Weight: 69kg (152lbs). Listed previous clubs: Western Sydney Wanderers, Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets, Middlesbrough. Nationality: Australian. Preferred foot: Right. Natural position: LW (can also play RW, AM and CF). | Getty Images

Strong with both feet: Even though Silvera is a natural right-footer he’s also very strong on his left foot, this can make him very hard to read for defenders. Versatile - A natural left-winger but capable of playing in all of the front four positions. Speed: Quickness can make him a huge threat in periods of transition. Ball-carrying - Strong in dribbling/progressive runs, often threatening in 1v1s.

3. Strengths

Strong with both feet: Even though Silvera is a natural right-footer he’s also very strong on his left foot, this can make him very hard to read for defenders. Versatile - A natural left-winger but capable of playing in all of the front four positions. Speed: Quickness can make him a huge threat in periods of transition. Ball-carrying - Strong in dribbling/progressive runs, often threatening in 1v1s. | National World

Off the ball movement: Awareness of space and exploiting it, especially runs into channels. Ball-striking/finishing: Lethal finisher inside and outside the box. Defensive discipline: Good knowledge of when to press, strong work-rate to track back, positional awareness in mid-low block, blocking passing lanes, tracking runners.

4. Strengths continued

Off the ball movement: Awareness of space and exploiting it, especially runs into channels. Ball-striking/finishing: Lethal finisher inside and outside the box. Defensive discipline: Good knowledge of when to press, strong work-rate to track back, positional awareness in mid-low block, blocking passing lanes, tracking runners.Photo: Michael Steele

Pompey Fratton Park Middlesbrough John Mousinho Supporters

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