Why versatile Haji Mnoga's Portsmouth future lies in the centre of defence

That’s the verdict of Liam Daish, who has witnessed the talented youngster’s development through the Blues ranks.

Mnoga recorded his second League One outing in the trip to Plymouth, after appearing from the bench in the 89th minute.

That takes his Pompey first-team tally to nine as the 18-year-old continues to show encouraging progress.

Although largely selected as a right-back by Kenny Jackett, Daish believes Mnoga will eventually establish a career at centre-half.

Pompey’s under-18 coach told The News: ‘Haji is a specimen physically and learning the game.

‘Against West Ham under-21s, I was really pleased to see how he has developed technically on the ball.

‘That has probably come from where he is now, training with and playing with more experienced players that are quicker and maybe as strong. Now he has to use his brain as much as his physical strength.

‘With his physical attributes, pace and power, he can probably do a job anywhere on the pitch at the moment because he’s got that athleticism.

‘Personally, I think long-term Haji might end up as a centre-half.

‘Who knows? He is still developing, still very young, he’s a young 18-19 year old and you don’t know for sure.

‘I think he will end up as a centre-half, though. He attacks the ball really well and wants to get there first.

‘When I first saw him, he stood out as a raw talent, but needed to be nurtured and developed. These young lads are learning all the time.’

Mnoga made his first-team bow in October 2018 at Crawley in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Aged 16 years, five months and 24 days, he’s the second-youngest debut in Pompey post-war history.

Daish added: ‘You can forget that he’s still very young. Although he is in a man’s body, you have to be mindful of his age.

‘Hopefully he will learn from being told rather than mistakes. He has it in him that he wants to win the ball, he’s aggressive, which you don’t want to take that out of him.

‘However, he needs to channel that and you just hope he’ll learn – and he will learn one way or the other.

‘It will either be through the hard way or by analysing his game and knowing when he can use that aggression and when to curb it at times.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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