View: Marlon Pack key for Mousinho after his performance for Portsmouth v Middlesbrough
Marlon Pack will be instrumental for Portsmouth if John Mousinho’s side are to have any joy in the EFL Championship this season.
It has been a tough start for Pompey following their return to the second-tier of English football.
They have so far come up against Leeds United, Luton Town and Middlesbrough, drawing all three matches.
And things won’t be getting any easier at Fratton Park with Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion, Burnley and Sheffield United all to come in the club’s next four matches.
After helping Portsmouth seal their return to the Championship by winning the EFL League One title last season, Mousinho’s priority first and foremost will be to keep the club in the division.
And if the Portsmouth boss is to have any chance of doing that, it is clear that keeping his captain Pack fit and in the side will be key based on the midfielder’s performances during the early part of the season.
Marlon Pack continues to perform for Portsmouth and John Mousinho against Middlesbrough
Pack has been a key performer at Fratton Park since joining the club from Cardiff City ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The 33-year-old played 32 league matches during his debut campaign with the club, scoring five goals and providing four assists.
He became an even more important player during his second season, making 38 League One appearances and scoring four goals while providing nine assists. Pack was named the club’s Player of the Year and also made the League One Team of the Season for 2023/24 after leading Pompey back to the Championship.
Ahead of the 2024/25 season getting underway, the captain signed a new two-year deal at Fratton Park (via BBC Sport, 26 June 2024), and his performances thus far have demonstrated that he will be just as important this season as he was during the last.
Pack has started all three Championship matches so far this season and has arguably been Pompey’s most consistent performer.
During the 0-0 draw with Luton Town on Saturday (17 August), Pack completed 96 per cent of his passes, with two of those key, and played 13 accurate long balls forward (Sofascore).
And he was even more impressive during the 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough on Saturday (24 August).
That afternoon Pack completed 100 per cent of his dribble attempts, won five of his eight ground duels and also won 100 per cent of his aerial duels.
He completed 86 per cent of his passes, with one of those key, and was accurate with 100 per cent of his crosses into the box and long balls forward.
And if Pack can continue to put in performances like he has been doing, there is every chance that Portsmouth will soon pick up their first three points of the season.
In other Portsmouth news, Mousinho has outlined the club’s transfer plans before 30 August.
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