It didn’t help their cause this season. And if they’re to give next term a better go, then it’s an area that will sorting in the summer.
A look through Wyscout – the professional football platform for football analysis – confirmed it’s an area of the Blues’ play that let them down, with little reference of Pompey first-teamers in their top stats over a range of categories.
However, it did highlight a number of players who could step up and deliver on this key aspect of any team’s game. And there’s plenty who could be considered ‘gettable’ as the Blues prepare for the forthcoming transfer window.
Here’s six players Pompey could realistically sign this summer in order to boost their creativity around opposition boxes.
5. Nathan Holland - MK Dons (400,000 valuation)
A former Oxford United team-mate of Pompey head coach John Mousinho, Nathan Holland will no doubt have come under the Blues' radar - especially after MK Dons' relegation to League Two. A player who operates on the left of a midfield three or wide left, he finished the season with five assists and impressive figures in a host of other key attacking areas. Progressive runs per 90 mins (3.66), successful passes into the final third (72.22%), successful smart passes (20%), smart passes per 90 mins (1.08) and assists per 90 mins (0.22). The former West Ham youth product will unlikely want to spend next season in League Two. According to Wyscout, a fee of 400,00 euros might tempt the Dons into selling Photo: Pete Norton
6. Albie Morgan - free transfer
The recently-released former Charlton midfielder will have no shortage of offers this summer. Seven assists and three goals from midfield cannot be ignored, especially given Charlton's inconsistent form last season. Meanwhile, Morgan's attack-minded stats make him an attractive proposition. Indeed, he's right up there with the division's best when it comes to key passes (0.66 per 90 mins), through passes (49 total), successful through passes (34.69%), deep completion passes (1.21 per 90 mins) and crossing accuracy (42.67%). A free transfer and with age on his side (23), Pompey would be wise to see if the Portsmouth-born ace fancies a move to Fratton Park. Photo: Alex Pantling
7. Lewis Wing - free transfer
A player linked with Pompey in January 2022 - and one Blues fans will have taken note of again following his long-range effort for Wycombe at Fratton Park on the final day of the season. That took the 28-year-old goal tally to the season to nine - which looks well when accompanied by six assists. There's every chance Championship club will be keeping a keen eye on the recently-released Wycombe midfielder. And there's little wonder with these stats as well - through passes (68 total), successful through passes (17.65%), successful smart passes (22.73%). This one might be a tough ask for Pompey, but Wing's pervious Championship experience might put second-tier clubs off. Fingers crossed! Photo: Pete Norton