View: John Mousinho will be disappointed with 74% Andre Dozzell after Portsmouth v Leeds
Andre Dozzell struggled on his Portsmouth debut against Leeds United on Saturday (10 August).
Pompey supporters are unlikely to have too many complaints after the start their team made to the 2024/25 EFL Championship season.
After 12 long years away from England’s second tier, Portsmouth marked their return to the division by claiming a point at Elland Road.
John Mousinho’s side played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Whites, and would perhaps have felt disappointed not to leave with all three points after conceding a last-gasp equaliser.
Pascal Struijk put the hosts in front early in the first half, before goals from Elias Sørensen on his debut and Callum Lang flipped the script, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead at half-time.
Wilfried Gnonto drew the hosts level immediately after the break, and in the dying moments of the match, Lang thought he had won it, slotting in from the spot to score his second of the match.
However, there was another late twist as Brenden Aaronson scored a last-gasp equaliser for Leeds to deny Portsmouth an opening-day victory.
Nonetheless, the away supporters will be heading home the happier of the two sets of fans, although some might have been concerned after what they saw from debutant Dozzell.
Andre Dozzell struggles for Portsmouth against Leeds United
Every player is keen to make an impression on their debut for a brand-new club. However, Dozzell wasn’t able to do that on this occasion.
It was a difficult afternoon for the 25-year-old, with Mousinho deciding to bring the midfielder off in the 75th minute.
As per Sofascore, Dozzell completed just 74 per cent of his passes, with just one of his four long balls forward an accurate one.
In addition, he was poor defensively, winning just two of his six ground duels and one of his two aerial duels.
He failed to register a successful dribble or shot at goal and gave possession away eight times. Although he did make three clearances, he was also dribbled past twice, summing up a difficult afternoon for the Portsmouth newbie.
Despite the difficulties, Mousinho will no doubt be patient with Dozzell, especially considering it was the player’s first match with a brand-new club.
He will have time to improve. However, if he continues to struggle, it might not be long until he finds himself out of the Portsmouth team, with Mousinho unable to afford to have passengers in the Championship.
In other Portsmouth news, the club are looking to take advantage of a local connection as a midfield gem heads out on loan.
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