Ryan Williams pinpointed as Portsmouth 'complete player' after Fleetwood star showing

Ryan Williams is thriving as a ‘complete player’ in his new-found Pompey role.
Michael Jacobs has praised the attacking qualities of Ryan Williams in his ongoing central role. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.comMichael Jacobs has praised the attacking qualities of Ryan Williams in his ongoing central role. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com
Michael Jacobs has praised the attacking qualities of Ryan Williams in his ongoing central role. Picture: Daniel Chesterton/phcimages.com

That’s the view of Michael Jacobs following the Australian’s man-of-the-match display at Fleetwood.

John Marquis’ 16th-minute header secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory for Kenny Jackett’s side on Saturday.

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Yet it was Williams’ sublime right-wing cross which delivered it – a golden moment of quality out of place in the Highbury Stadium encounter.

The 27-year-old’s Pompey influence has grown significantly since asked to play a more central attacking role around John Marquis.

And Jacobs believes it’s bringing the best out of his team-mate.

He told The News: ‘What a fantastic ball for the goal, he’s a big asset for us.

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‘Sometimes Willo’s quality is outstanding, he gets through so much work for the team and also his pressing from the front.

‘Over the last 5-10 games we have seen his consistency, his qualities, his performances have always been great, while he scored a couple at Ipswich.

‘I think that role suits him, especially the way he plays.

‘Willo’s a dynamic player and in the 10 role is a natural runner. He can press from the front and when you have the quality on the ball to go with it, then it makes a complete player.

‘With him playing that role, it gives you the dynamic side as well. He goes down the channels, puts himself about, gets himself in the box and Saturday’s goal was fantastic.

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‘You can see he's a fit lad who will run all day long – and his attitude is brilliant too.’

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Marcus Harness has also operated in the number 10 role this season, most notably at Burton when he grabbed a hat-trick.

On occasions, Jackett has operated with a front two, employing Ellis Harrison alongside John Marquis.

Certainly there is no shortage of attacking options for the position.

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Jacobs added: ‘There’s quite a bit of versatility with the lads.

‘We’ve seen Marcus (Harness) in the number 10 role, Ellis (Harrison) has been there with John (Marquis) and vice versa.

People will play different roles when they need to.’

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