Freddie Potts ‘set for Portsmouth axe’ after what he did in Sheffield United loss
Freddie Potts didn’t do himself any favours after what he did as Portsmouth lost 2-1 to Sheffield United in the Championship.
The West Ham United loanee started for Pompey at Bramall Lane on Saturday (8 February) as John Mousinho’s team failed to get back to winning ways.
Connor Ogilvie restored parity to the game after Gustavo Hamer’s goal in the first half, but Jesurun Rak-Sakyi found the back of the net in the 73rd minute as Chris Wilder’s team sealed their victory.
Mousinho has been reluctant to change his system at Portsmouth and could have arguably done with an extra body in the engine room against the Blades.
Freddie Potts underwhelming in Sheffield United loss
Potts played 89 minutes against Sheffield United, but he should have been replaced earlier as he lost possession nine times, according to Sofascore.
The 21-year-old had just 31 touches in the game with a passing accuracy of 73 per cent, creating zero chances, as per FotMob.
While the defensive midfielder isn’t expected to play a big part in the final third, his contribution at the back was poor as well, winning just 33 per cent of his ground duels and 25 per cent of his aerial duels.
The West Ham loanee also committed three fouls, failed to win the one tackle he made and was dispossessed once.
John Mousinho to make changes in Portsmouth midfield?
Mousinho wouldn’t have been pleased with the team’s result given the performance as they failed to increase the gap with the relegation zone.
Derby County gained a valuable point at Carrow Road in their 1-1 draw against Norwich, and Hull City and Luton Town, with a game in hand, could get closer to Pompey.
The English manager evidently needs to rethink his strategy for the upcoming games after signing several players during the previous transfer window.
Adil Aouchiche arrived at Fratton Park on loan from Sunderland, and Mousinho could potentially tweak his engine room a bit to get the best out of the team.
Marlon Pack should also be brought back into the starting lineup in the midfield after deputising in defence on occasions this season.
Isaac Hayden is another star who will force Potts to look over his shoulders after dropping a rather drab performance in South Yorkshire.
It remains to be seen whether the head coach will choose different midfield options when Pompey face Cardiff City on Tuesday (11 February).