Mousinho has played blinder – How Portsmouth’s signings have performed in pre-season
Portsmouth’s summer transfer window has seen them focus more on addressing key areas of the squad rather than overhauling their options.
John Mousinho’s side did excellently to secure their safety in relatively comfortable fashion last time out, and they look to have made notable improvements in their squad.
Portsmouth have limited spending capacity compared to some of their Championship rivals, but they look to have discovered yet more gems from unexpected sources.
With that in mind, Pompey News assesses the performances of each new arrival so far, as the South Coast outfit gear up for their return to competitive action on Saturday (9 August).
Adrian Segecic
Segecic has already received plenty of plaudits for his first few displays in Portsmouth colours, and he looks like the sort of player who could become a huge favourite among the Fratton faithful.
The Australian caught the eye in front of the home crowd against PEC Zwolle recently with his tireless, all-action style showing a remarkable level of commitment already.
He found the back of the net earlier in the summer against Woking and also notched an assist against Farnborough.
Segecic will undoubtedly need more time to properly adapt to English football, but the early signs have certainly been extremely positive.
Mousinho delved into the A-League once again to secure his signature, and the boss looks as though he may have played a blinder and unearthed another potential star.
John Swift
Swift’s return has been a huge source of excitement at Portsmouth this summer.
Their former academy graduate has been away for several years, but he returns as one of the Championship’s most underrated playmakers.
The 30-year-old is a little behind the rest of his teammates in terms of his pre-season preparation, but his quality has been clear to see with some nice touches when he has got on the pitch.
It feels as though he has been playing within himself a little so far, but there is no doubt that Swift will be a key player for Pompey as the season plays out.
Mark Kosznovsky
Kosznovsky’s unusual footballing background has made him an interesting addition for Portsmouth, but he is yet to really get up and running in a blue shirt.
The Hungarian attracted attention from plenty of Championship sides this summer, but Pompey will be pleased to have won the race to sign him.
He made his debut from the bench against PEC Zwolle and, like Swift, showed glimpses of the quality that he possesses.
The 24-year-old looked mobile in his cameo last weekend, and that should stand him in good stead to be an effective option in the second tier.
Florian Bianchini
Bianchini only joined Portsmouth on loan from Swansea last Thursday (31 July), but he showed plenty of promise in the clash with Zwolle.
The Frenchman looked progressive and bright when he was introduced, and laid on the assist for Thomas Waddingham’s goal.
He largely struggled in the Championship last season, but Mousinho and his coaching staff are clearly backing themselves to get him back playing his best football.
Luke Le Roux
Le Roux remains something of an unknown quantity so far.
The South African came on in the final knockings of the victory over Zwolle, with very limited opportunity to make an impact on proceedings.
Freddie Potts’ return to West Ham has left a crucial hole in the middle of the park, and Le Roux could be the man to fill it in the long term.
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