Portsmouth skipper: We're privileged - Ex-Norwich man Sean Raggett is one of League One's best defenders

Pompey possess one of League One’s best defenders in Sean Raggett.
Sean Raggett has been in impressive form for Pompey, earning glowing praise from team-mate Tom Naylor. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImagesSean Raggett has been in impressive form for Pompey, earning glowing praise from team-mate Tom Naylor. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages
Sean Raggett has been in impressive form for Pompey, earning glowing praise from team-mate Tom Naylor. Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages

That’s the verdict of skipper Tom Naylor, who continues to be impressed by the no-nonsense 26-year-old.

The former Norwich man has been in fine form of late, serving as an instrumental presence in a Blues defence which has kept four straight clean sheets in the league.

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Although underrated by some supporters, Raggett remains highly regarded about his team-mates and a pivotal part of their promotion push.

And Naylor has been singing the praises of a player he has shared the Pompey dressing room for 18 months so far.

He told The News: ‘We know what Sean gives the team and appreciate him. He does it very, very well.

‘Without doubt we are privileged to have him in this side.

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‘I think he’s up there with the top defenders in the league, I really do.

‘We’ve got a lot of defenders in the side who are top quality - and he is up there with one of the best in League One.

‘Fair play to him, he works hard, he loves the game, loves defending, and will go through a brick wall for us.’

Raggett produced an outstanding display at Hull last Friday to drive Pompey into top spot.

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In the absence of Jack Whatmough through coronavirus, he was at his commanding best alongside Rasmus Nicolaisen.

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Pompey required a strong defensive display at the KCOM Stadium against a team leading League ahead of the televised fixture.

Raggett responded magnificently, while was also involved in the sixth-minute opener which was credited as a Jacob Greaves own goal.

Regardless, the powerful centre-half has still netted three times in 24 appearances since snapped up on a free transfer from Norwich in the summer.

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There had been an unsteady start, with Raggett attracting criticism, but he has since roared back to the form he finished the curtailed 2019-20 season.

And Naylor is adamant the Blues are fortunate to have the ex-Lincoln man within their ranks.

He added: ‘I thought Sean was superb against Hull, he was what we needed in a tough game.

‘He knows what he’s got to do when he gets the ball, he’s a great defender, and we are happy to have him.

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‘He’s great in the air, he loves those battles and comes out on top of big strikers, which is important.

‘You know exactly what you’ll get from him – and he’s so important to our team.’

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