John Swift: This is how Mousinho must use him at Portsmouth
John Swift is Portsmouth’s newest first-team star.
The midfielder has signed a two-year contract at Fratton Park, after weeks of speculation linking him with a move to his boyhood club.
The 30-year-old was primarily used as a ‘number 10′ for West Bromwich Albion last season. He was tasked with linking the Baggies’ midfield to their frontline and bringing the creativity to unlock the opponent’s defence.
However, John Mousinho may well be considering a different role for his new signing.
Swift will thrive deeper in Portsmouth midfield
Mousinho already has two players who are more than capable in that ‘number 10’ role.
There’s Callum Lang, who was tearing Championship defences apart constantly before a hamstring problem derailed his season.
Then there’s Adrian Segecic, who was the top goalscorer in the Australian A-League playing in the hole behind the striker.
Both offered more output in terms of goals and assists than Swift did for West Brom last season.
That’s not to say Swift isn’t a useful signing. Mousinho has mentioned his energy, guile and leadership skills more than his creative output.
Indeed, it’s these attributes that will make him more suited to a deeper role in Portsmouth’s midfield.
Mousinho still needs a couple more midfield stars
Mousinho is short of centre-midfielders, as last season’s loan stars Freddie Potts and Isaac Hayden have returned to their parent club.
Swift is capable of dropping deeper into midfield, and that’s likely why the Pompey boss was keen to sign him.
| Player | Appearances | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
| Lang | 33 | 2469 | 10 | 2 |
| Segecic | 35 | 1956 | 18 | 3 |
| Swift | 37 | 1819 | 3 | 1 |
That would leave Segecic and Lang to battle it out for a place behind the striker, with the other potentially being used on the right wing.
Mousinho is likely to continue hunting central-midfield stars though. Pelle Mattsson and Mark Kosznovszky are believed to be his main targets. In an ideal world, he’d be able to sign both, although there is competition for each of them.
That would leave his midfield well stacked ahead of a tough Championship season.
Swift’s versatility will definitely count as an added bonus that helps him to get picked more often. His experience in this division will also be a useful asset, both on and off the pitch.
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