Portsmouth analysis: an attribute that can't be coached with new full-backs brimming with verve

An attribute that can't be coached

The whispers that have come out of the dressing room this summer have been that Jack Whatmough's looked as good as ever in training.

Despite being on the road to recovery following a third serious knee injury, there have been no signs the centre-back's felt any niggles or twinges that have halted his progress.

And that was there for all to see against Colchester.

Having been behind Paul Downing in the pecking order throughout pre-season, Kenny Jackett handed Whatmough a chance to impress ahead of Saturday's League One opener against Shrewsbury.

Any neutral watching would scarcely have thought it was only the academy graduate's third competitive game in 18 months.

He looked as cool, composed and dominant as he did two seasons ago when a mainstay in Kenny Jackett's side next to Matt Clarke before his injury.

Then there was the inch-perfect lofted pass to Marcus Harness, which created his second goal. That sort of vision and finesse simply can't be coached. Unbelievable was how Harness described the ball.

In truth, Whatmough’s presence also seemed to settle down Sean Raggett after last month’s horror show at Stevenage and he looked far more comfortable than he has alongside Downing.

With Pompey still keen to bring a left-footed centre-half before the transfer window closes, it'll be interesting to see where Whatmough will feature in Jackett's plans if one is recruited.

But surely he now deserves to start against Shrewsbury and will be undroppable if he maintains the standards he displayed against Colchester.

Backs full of verve

It was a first glimpse of Pompey's new-boys those who'd parted with £10 to watch on iFollow hoped for.

And the performances of Callum Johnson and Cameron Pring certainly offered plenty of encouragement.

Johnson moved to Fratton Park from Accrington only 24 hours prior, yet was granted an immediate debut.

The former Middlesbrough gave an eye-catching maiden impression both defensively and offensively.

The most encouraging attribute Johnson displayed was his communication, though.

No fans in grounds gives us the beauty of hearing which players do the talking on the pitch.

Despite not knowing his team-mates for long, Johnson was a vocal presence from kick-off, consistently speaking to Marcus Harness ahead of him.

On the other flank, Pring – on loan from Bristol City – looked to maraud forward at every given opportunity.

There was one surging run in the second half when he put on the afterburners and pulled a cross back from the byline, only for Harness to get his volley wrong.

Johnson appears ahead of James Bolton for the right-back spot, but it seems the left-hand side of defence between Pring and Lee Brown is a closer battle.

After all, Brown's the Blues' vice-captain, a leader and someone who Jackett has plenty of trust in.

It's likely Brown and Pring will dovetail together throughout what is going to be a hectic fixture schedule.

It's recognised Brown's superior defensively, while Pring – being a former winger – is more of an outlet going forward.

Shrewsbury are likely to come to the south coast and be compact and make it difficult for Pompey to break them down.

That, therefore, could mean Pring keeps his spot.

Attacking potency despite Szmodics disappointment

The disappointment after Pompey missed out on Sammie Szmodics to Peterborough earlier in the day was rife on social media.

And while the attacking midfielder would have been a quality addition, the Blues have hardly been toothless in their opening two games of the season.

Pompey’s defensive display at Stevenage last month was hugely concerning, but three goals were scored in response.

And Kenny Jackett's side should have had more than just the two against Colchester.

The Blues squandered a plethora of chances in the second period. Gareth Evans, John Marquis and Ellis Harrison were all guilty of missing good goalscoring opportunities.

A new, quintessential number 10 would help add balance to Pompey’s attack and it's a position the club still hope to strengthen.

Nevertheless, there still is potency in the final third among the players already at PO4.