Andre Dozzell shares what John Mousinho said to sell him Portsmouth move
Portsmouth midfielder Andre Dozzell has lifted the lid on how John Mousinho persuaded him to sign for the club in the summer.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent’s Andy Moon [23 August], Dozzell revealed how the move to Pompey came about, and the nature of several conversations he had with the head coach after his QPR contract expired in the summer.
Dozzell spent the end of last season on loan at Birmingham City, and has so far started both of the Blues’ Championship fixtures ahead of Saturday’s trip to Middlesbrough.
“We realised we look at the game pretty similar,” the 25-year-old explained.
“He showed me a few things about my own game – how he saw me and my best position – and the way he sees football is amazing.
“I evaluated my options but every time I spoke to the gaffer, I came away feeling really positive and that this was the right step to take.”
Andre Dozzell could become key for Portsmouth
In time over the course of this season, Dozzell could become one of Mousinho’s key operators, as it’s clear to see even now how integral the boss views him to be.
The former Ipswich midfield man will be assessed closely during the campaign, having signed a one-year deal with the club option of a further year – a short contract for a player of Dozzell’s age.
He also admitted when speaking to BBC Solent this week that he feels he is not fully match fit, having had a short pre-season on the South Coast following the completion of a deal which was arranged out of the public eye.
Despite that, Dozzell was given starts against both Leeds United and Luton Town, illustrating Mousinho’s desire to use him as a key player from the off. His performances were not perfect in the two games and you could see the element of rust against some of the division’s top players, but the sharpness will come.
It’s a huge season for the player’s career and there is a serious point to prove to Pompey, and to the wider Championship.
In other Portsmouth news, Pompey must prove to young players there is a pathway to develop.
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