‘Portsmouth ace to dominate midfield with one key Mousinho change’
Marlon Pack rarely started in midfield toward the end of the last season, which had led to questions about his long-term future.
The club captain is 34 years old now, and some fans have suggested his best days are behind him.
However, his manager John Mousinho sung the midfielder’s praises in a recent interview.
Mousinho labelled Pack a “huge part of the football club”, so fans can still expect to see plenty of him in a Blues shirt.
In fact, the club captain could dominate midfield battles next season if Mousinho is willing to make one key change to accommodate him.
Marlon needs more of a pack around him
Pack is still the most naturally gifted passer in the Portsmouth squad.
He proved that when Portsmouth drew 1-1 with Hull City at Fratton Park on the final day of this season.
The skipper was a force to be reckoned with in the centre of the park and provided a probing first-time pass that led to Pompey’s equaliser.
Some fans have suggested that he doesn’t have the legs to run the midfield in the Championship, and there has been evidence of this at times.
However, if Mousinho could pack the midfield with energetic players around his captain, this would give him the freedom to do what he does best. Sit deep and spray passes around the pack. Something like a ‘Pompey Pirlo’.
Midfielders should be a priority for Mousinho this summer
The industry that Freddie Potts provided in the middle of the park was a key benefit for Pompey last season. It’s that type of energy that would allow Pack to thrive in his later years.
Sadly, Potts has returned to West Ham and the odds seem to be against him returning to Fratton Park.
A new midfielder should be a priority for John Mousinho in this summer’s transfer window, but not so he can replace Pack. So he can get the best out of him.
| Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| 41 | 2,732 | 0 | 2 |
Mousinho will be only too aware of the positive impact that Pack has behind the scenes. He’s a figure that inspires younger professionals to perform to their potential. A character who you’d want beside you in a dogfight.
But Pack is more than a strong leader. He’s a talented footballer who could provide a lot of value to Portsmouth’s attacking play if used in the right system.