Andre Dozzell proves importance as Portsmouth future discussed
Andre Dozzell is now a vital cog in the Portsmouth starting XI, having seen his importance increase throughout the season.
The midfield man grabbed his first goal in Pompey colours on Saturday as his side secured just their second away win of the season at Oxford United (15 February), ending a run of eight straight losses on the road.
The 25-year-old signed a one-year contract at Portsmouth as a free agent last summer, having left Queens Park Rangers – the other opponent Pompey have beaten on the road this season and host at Fratton Park next up (22 February).
Dozzell off the mark in Pompey blue
Dozzell is an experienced performer and has been favoured more of late by John Mousinho in that holding midfield hub, usually alongside Freddie Potts.
Potts has missed the last two games with a calf injury, with Isaac Hayden slotting in as Pompey used the January window to further the depth in the squad.
Having netted the opening goal before Mark O’Mahony added to his tally in stoppage time, Dozzell spoke to BBC Radio Solent (15 February) about his impact, and his future.
“It’s about time I scored my first goal and I’m very happy to do so,” he said.
“We’ll enjoy it but we need to focus on QPR – it’ll be good to see some familiar faces, but it’s a test we’re focusing on and we’ll be ready for.
“I’m not thinking about my future at the minute, my focus is on the team staying in the Championship.”
Dozzell started the season with uncertainty in his performances, though some leeway can be left given the standard of opposition during the first two months of Pompey’s return to the second tier.
While fans including myself were at times sceptical, he has proven many of us wrong with some consistency in his performances and a clarity from Mousinho on what he expects of his players’ individual roles.
Portsmouth safety charge looking far more positive
For months, many of us following Portsmouth have suggested the away form is the one gap the club need to bridge to remain in the Championship without a hitch.
In a view attempted to be with as little of a biased outlook as possible, Pompey have far more in their armoury and certainly in the spirit of the dressing room than some of the sides below them and should every day of the week be finishing above three teams.
The form on their travels from the side has however been dismal, compared to making Fratton Park a fortress in the past few months. That Oxford win needs to be a turning point.
The vast improvement from the likes of Dozzell has been key to Pompey’s form improving, as they find their feet in a ruthless division.
Survival is the one and only aim – we’ll all take 21st and a few unglamorous points along the way – before establishing and giving it a good go next year to eventually challenge towards the upper echelons of the league.