Portsmouth best XI of the season – Yengi, Saydee and Rafferty miss out
After Portsmouth confirmed their triumphant title-winning League One campaign, one debate which rolled on throughout the season was John Mousinho’s strongest team.
Based on statistical data, here is Pompey’s strongest XI from 2023-24 in Mousinho’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system.
GK – Will Norris – As Norris appeared in every league game, he kept 19 league clean sheets – thanks in part to his 106 saves. With his aptitude for claiming the ball high and joining the defence during attacks, he comes in with a Sofascore rating of 7.07.
RB – Regan Poole – Poole showed his talent for Pompey before being struck down by injury, in the squad’s top three performers via both Sofascore and WhoScored. The defender completed 85% of all passes and even chipped in with three goals in 12 games.
CB – Sean Raggett – A man who was possibly intended to be phased out by Mousinho, Raggett ended up with 38 league matches to his name. The centre-half – who will now leave Fratton Park – won 74% of his aerial duels.
CB – Conor Shaughnessy – Named in the division’s Team of the Year, Shaughnessy has enjoyed an excellent season with 45 appearances and 4.9 aerial duels won per game. The last of his four goals will go down in Pompey folklore.
LB – Connor Ogilvie – One of only two would-be free agents offered a new contract next season, Ogilvie’s contribution down the left has been superb, giving great balance to Mousinho’s shape. Also only booked three times all season.
CM – Marlon Pack – Player of the season, captain and local lad, Pack is the first name on the teamsheet. Offered a new deal in the Championship, Pack was the midfield general, with 6.3 balls recovered per game and a Sofascore rating of 7.39.
CM – Joe Morrell – The Wales international recorded a squad-best passing accuracy of 86.3%, complementing Pack in the centre of the park. A down-side would be his two red cards.
AM – Alex Robertson – A genius in midfield before his long-term injury cut his spell short, Robertson flighted around and dictated tempo higher up the pitch as well as around the centre circle, with a pass accuracy of 82%.
RW – Abu Kamara – With eight goals and 10 assists during his loan spell, fans fell in love with the Norwich City winger. With a knack of creating chances, Kamara’s end product was key for Mousinho.
LW – Paddy Lane – With 12 goals (all left-footed) and seven assists, Lane has delivered a sterling contribution. Whether deployed on the left, right or through the middle, Lane has proven effective – he scored 10 out of 42 efforts inside the area.
CF – Colby Bishop – With 10 man-of-the-match awards and 21 goals, Bishop has been Mousinho’s main marksman for another season. The attacking system in which Bishop is joined by the two wide players and attacking midfielder has excelled in Pompey’s offensive returns.
With the likes of Joe Rafferty, Kusini Yengi and Christian Saydee all not even finding a space in this XI, it shows how strong Pompey have been all season, and how Mousinho has delicately balanced his side. The trio and others all played a significant part in the Blues’ title success as injuries took hold, presenting a wonderful squad effort.
In other Portsmouth news, a date has been announced for the EFL Championship fixture release.
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