BBC broadcaster makes Lamine Yamal reference amid Portsmouth academy concern from fans
BBC broadcaster Andrew Moon says John Mousinho is very aware of goings-on in the Portsmouth academy.
Moon, speaking on his ‘Moon’s Musings’ segment for BBC Radio Solent [10 July] affirmed that Mousinho would not hesitate to include a 16-year-old in the Pompey first-team squad if they were capable of an impact.
The Blues commentator was answering a supporter question on whether the club were potentially ignoring emerging talent from the Under-18 side amid the historic contribution Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has made for Spain at Euro 2024 – having just turned 17 over the weekend.
Moon said: “Mousinho will be very aware of what’s going on in the academy at Portsmouth.
“Believe me, players like [Yamal] are extremely rare to come by.
“If Pompey had a player at 16/17 who was capable then they would be in the first team.”
Young talent at Portsmouth
The lack of an Under-21 side at Portsmouth to bridge the gap between scholarship and senior football has forced Pompey to detach with many youth players, including the controversial release of Koby Mottoh who has now joined AFC Bournemouth.
As a result, the first-team squad at present averages 25.1 with new signing from non-league, Reuben Swann, the youngest member at 18. He is expected to be loaned out this season.
Down the years, Pompey have launched a host of young talent into the limelight with many players making debuts as teenagers, some in the Premier League.
Joel Ward, Adam Webster, Conor Chaplin, Jack Whatmough, Jed Wallace, Dan Butler and Ben Close are all currently playing in England’s top four divisions having debuted in royal blue before their twenties, which should inspire the Eisners to invest in youth.
This can create a hotbed of talent in this area of the South Coast and take a few Portsmouth locals back from rival academies such as Southampton, Brighton, Bournemouth and nearby setups in London.
In other Portsmouth news, 13 women’s players have now signed professional contracts.
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