Aouchiche shares what Mousinho told him after signing for Portsmouth
Adil Aouchiche has outlined his aims after joining Portsmouth last week, one of eight new winter arrivals at Fratton Park.
The 22-year-old arrived on loan from Sunderland on 31 January, overcoming initial work permit issues to make the move to the opposite end of the nation.
Aouchiche had impressed Pompey staff while playing against them for the Black Cats on 5 January, and is seeking further Championship game time.
Mousinho tells Portsmouth star Aouchiche to be himself
Aouchiche first came to England 18 months ago and has shown glimmers of his ability, though has found match action at Sunderland hard to consistently come by with his parent club challenging for promotion.
The passionate Frenchman told in-house media (Portsmouth FC, 7 February) that he aims to “defend the badge” of a “city of football”, and outlined what he believes to be his best position with discourse surrounding whether he is an attacking midfielder or a winger.
“I’m pleased to be here and excited to join Pompey. This is a city of football and a really good place to play, so I’m happy to be able to defend the badge,” Aouchiche said.
“I think this is a family club and the manager said ‘just be you’. They want me to show my qualities and help the team on the pitch.
“I think my best role is as an attacking midfielder, but I spoke with the gaffer about being able to play in other positions. I have good instincts and can do the technical stuff, as well as set-plays.”
Frenchman could make debut on Saturday
Aouchiche’s transfer was not completed in time for him to feature in the Fratton Park draw with Burnley last weekend (1 February).
He and fellow late Blues signings are however eligible to make their debuts this Saturday (8 February), and he could do his parent side Sunderland a favour as well as the Fratton faithful at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United.
The versatile attacking wizard can be exceptional with a run of games, showcasing a raw talent which gets a player scouted by PSG in the first place, and can provide stern competition for the established attacking operators at Pompey.