Darke blown away by Portsmouth player’s transformation despite what fans expected
Portsmouth have demonstrated a season of progress back in the Championship so far, coming a long way from some of the performances earlier in the campaign.
Some of John Mousinho’s squad entered 2024-25 at Fratton Park with previous experience of the second tier; others were getting to grips with the standard for the first time and having to adapt upon a steep learning curve.
Heading into an intriguing round of midweek fixtures across the division, with Portsmouth hosting Plymouth Argyle for the second Fratton contest in three days, the Blues are now 10 points clear of the dreaded drop zone which they occupied for a lengthy period.
Darke identifies Portsmouth star to thank for inspired form
Ian Darke, renowned TV commentator and Blues fan, has picked out a number of players Mousinho has to thank for improved fortunes at Portsmouth of late.
Pompey showed some serious Championship mettle on Sunday (9 March), overcoming Leeds United 1-0 at a sunny Fratton Park and ending the league leaders’ 17-match unbeaten run.
Darke, speaking exclusively to Pompey News, identified Andre Dozzell for his excellently improved progress since he signed for Portsmouth last summer.
“I’d pick out Josh Murphy, Connor Ogilvie and I’d definitely pick out Andre Dozzell as well,” Darke said.
“When he signed, I think fans thought he’d just be a bit of a makeweight and another body in midfield, but he’s turned into quite a crucial player.
“He’s playing over and above the level expected.”
Dozzell now one of Mousinho’s key men
Most of the Portsmouth team have had a spell out of the side, and have made various levels of impact when given the chance.
Dozzell has grasped his opportunity with both hands, and is now the first-choice midfield selection to sit in front of the backline and look to dictate play.
The former QPR and Ipswich man, alongside the returning Freddie Potts, dominated the midfield against Daniel Farke’s Leeds – a fantastic feat for a midfielder doubted in his first months on the coast alongside a youngster playing his first season in the Championship.
| Andre Dozzell – 2024/25 | APPS | STARTS | GLS/ASSTS | TACKLES | CLEAN SHEETS |
| Portsmouth | 30 | 26 | 2 | 43 | 6 |
Dozzell only signed a one-year contract when he arrived as a free agent ahead of this season, but will almost certainly be offered fresh terms based on his displays over recent months.
The 25-year-old has been an excellent microcosm of the way that Portsmouth have improved as the campaign has gone on, just at the right time to safely ensure survival.