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.
5. Areas to develop
Consistency: In terms accumulating more match minutes for the upcoming season but also maintaining levels of technical performance. Decision making: Often looks to cut inside and work a shooting angle. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it would be nice to see him mix his actions up a little bit more. Receiving wide in settled possession: Can be tracked by opposition full-back and sometimes doubled up meaning he often loses possession rather easily. | Getty Images
6. Data analysis - 2022-23 A-League stats
Appearances: 29 (24 starts, 2039 minutes). Goals: 8. Assists: 2 Accurate passes: 75.2%. Accurate passes to final third: 70.2%. Accurate passes to penalty area: 54%. Dribbles per 90: 7.55. Successful dribbles: 59.6%. Progressive runs per 90: 3.75. Defensive duels won: 54.2%. | Getty Images
7. Data analysis - 2023-24 Championship stats
Appearances: 42 (16 starts, 1982 minutes). Goals: 6. Assists: 3. Accurate passes: 80.5%. Accurate passes to final third: 70.6%. Accurate passes to penalty area: 58.2%. Dribbles per 90: 6.68. Successful dribbles: 53.1%. Progressive runs per 90: 3.45. Defensive duels won: 51.9%. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Data analysis thoughts
Looking at these very similar statistics, I'd say Silvera did a fairly good job at adapting to English football considering the majority of his appearances were from the bench. | Getty Images