Why Arsenal loanee Miguel Azeez is the answer to Portsmouth's goalscorong problems

With Danny Cowley’s side desperate to rediscover their scoring touch, after going 358 league minutes without a goal, a solution is needed.

And according to Pompey writer Sam Cox, the on-loan Arsenal midfielder could be the answer – both in terms of his own goal threat and his ability to provide the type of service both John Marquis and Ellis Harrison have been crying out for.

Azeez has played a variety of different roles during his time with the Gunners’ academy, but Cowley could see him as the most natural fit for the No10 position within his 4-2-3-1 system.

The 18-year-old is yet to feature for Pompey since arriving before the close of the transfer window.

Yet, with only Ryan Tunnicliffe and Marcus Harness registering league assists for the Blues so far this season, there’s an opening for a creative force in the team.

And speaking in the latest edition of Pompey Talk: The Podcast, Cox believes Azeez could be the perfect fit.

He said: ‘I’d like to see Miguel Azeez get a good run out (against Cambridge) and as the season progresses I think he’ll emerge as that creative spark in midfield.

‘It has to be said that he’s not an out-and-out No10, as he’s more of a box-to-box player.

‘But looking at the options that Danny Cowley has, I think Azeez will prove to be the best option.

‘Unfortunately he didn’t get any minutes against MK Dons (following his return from international duty) and Cowley probably didn’t feel he was quite ready as we need to remember he’s only 18, soon to be 19.

‘He’s still very young and fresh, but sometimes you need that unfinished article who’s a little raw as sometimes those types of players play with no fear and look to take on defences.

‘Going into Cambridge, I’d like to see Azeez in the No10 role. When I spoke to him last week he said that he likes to shoot from distance and create things on the pitch.

‘He’s continually played at older age groups for Arsenal’s academy and I believe he made his under-18s debut at just 14 years of age.

‘He also explained how he’s confident in his own ability, so when looking to unlock the door against Cambridge, I think Azeez will be the one to be able to do that.

‘Azeez plays on the half-turn, and by having someone with those qualities, he can turn on the ball and make the attack quicker.

‘It perhaps addresses a problem that Pompey have had as he can get the pace back into the team while moving the ball towards the opposition goal faster.

‘Azeez is the one who can take the ball and try to make things happen, definitely.’