Mattsson and Robertson sign: Portsmouth’s dream XI for new Championship season
Portsmouth are continuing to hunt for new players as the new Championship season approaches.
John Mousinho admits he would like to make several signings before the new season begins, with Adrian Segecic currently being the deal completed this summer.
Below, Pompey News presents Mousinho’s dream XI to start the season against Oxford United on 9 August.
Mattsson and Robertson drafted into centre-midfield
It’s no secret that Portsmouth need new centre-midfielders. They were reliant on loan signings Freddie Potts and Isaac Hayden last season but both have returned to their parent clubs.
The Blues have been tracking Danish midfielder Pelle Mattsson for a while and are expected to make a bid for him soon. The 23-year-old currently plays for Silkeborg IF in the Danish Superliga, but would appear to have all the attributes to thrive in the Championship.
Alex Robertson is another player that Mousinho would love to have in his team. The Aussie was on loan at Fratton Park in 2023-24 and dominated midfield as Pompey claimed the League One title.
He moved to Cardiff the following summer, but they have been relegated and Robertson still speaks highly of his time at Portsmouth. This could potentially be a dream transfer for all concerned. It might take a substantial fee to persuade Cardiff to sell though.
Segecic to cut in from the right-hand side
Adrian Segecic primarily operated in the number 10 role for Sydney FC, but he can play on the right wing, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him start games there.
In fact, he might be the prime candidate to start there, given that Matt Ritchie is looking to leave the club.
The Australian could cut inside from the right to cause problems in the centre, giving Jordan Williams space to cause problems on the overlap.
Alternatively, we might see Callum Lang moved to the right wing with Segecic in the centre.
Pompey need strength in depth to ensure they’re not dragged into relegation scrap
That dream XI would be able to give any Championship side a decent game, and Mousinho isn’t far away from creating it. Conor Ogilvie will likely be given the captain’s armband in this team.
With this side, the Blues should be able to steer clear of a relegation battle and improve on last season’s 16th-place finish.
That’s pretty good going considering Portsmouth have one of the lowest transfer budgets in the division.
The likes of Hayden Matthews, Marlon Pack and Paddy Lane could be pushing for starts as well, but Mousinho’s squad does lack strength in depth.
As well as centre-midfielders, the Pompey boss will surely be looking to add more wingers and a couple of strikers to his squad.
That should ensure that Pompey can put out a competitive team throughout the season, even if injuries strike.
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