View: 87% Portsmouth gem Potts can hold head up high despite heavy loss v Derby
Freddie Potts is perhaps the only player who can hold his head high after Portsmouth were thrashed by Derby County on Friday.
Just as Pompey seemed to be turning a corner after going four matches unbeaten, supporters were sent crashing back down to earth at Pride Park Stadium on 13 December.
Paul Merson recently hailed the “unbelievable” support at Fratton Park, and it looks as though fans will need to channel that spirit now more than ever after watching their side lose 4-0 against Derby County in the Championship.
Portsmouth and Derby were both League One teams last season, and with the Rams having won just one of their previous 11 matches heading into their clash with Pompey, the away side would have been confident of at least getting a point, especially considering their recent form.
However, this is the Championship, it is unpredictable, and rather than leaving the East Midlands with a point, Mousinho’s side were instead on the receiving end of their second-heaviest defeat of the season.
It would be hard for fans to pick out too many positives, if any at all, after what was a pretty woeful display. However, they could at least take some comfort in Potts’ performance as the midfielder continues to show up consistently for Pompey on loan from West Ham United.
Freddie Potts can hold head high despite Portsmouth defeat v Derby County
Pompey remain in the Championship relegation zone, and it looks as though it is going to be a big ask for them to remain in the division based on their performance on Friday.
However, if Mousinho can start to get some of his players performing like Potts, then perhaps the club will be able to maintain Championship status.
As per Sofascore, Potts completed 87 per cent of his passes against the Rams, while two of the three long balls he played were accurate. In addition, while neither of his crosses were accurate, he put in a solid shift defensively, winning five of his six ground duels and 100 per cent of his aerial duels (two out of two).
The 21-year-old also won four fouls for his side, without committing any himself, and only gave possession away eight times across the 64 minutes he played.
While he was dribbled past once, Potts also blocked two shots and made one tackle and one clearance.
Mousinho couldn’t have asked for much more from the youngster, who is continuing to demonstrate to some of his more senior players how it should be done.
Therefore, while West Ham will be the team to benefit long-term from Potts’ development, his immediate form looks as though it could have great bearing on what division Portsmouth end up in next season.
In other Portsmouth news, David Norris believes having two games postponed provided a benefit.
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