Data shows surprise aspect of Josh Murphy’s game has really developed at Portsmouth
Portsmouth fans will be praying that Josh Murphy remains at Fratton Park this season.
The winger was Portsmouth’s player of the season and top assist-maker in the Championship for 2024-25.
Murphy started this season with an assist against West Brom and followed it up with a Man of the Match performance against Preston North End.
Portsmouth rejected a bid from Leicester City for Murphy, but it’s believed they will come back with a higher offer.
While Mousinho has insisted Murphy isn’t for sale, there will still be tension surrounding this issue until the transfer window closes on 1 September.
Opta data shows how well Josh Murphy contributes in defence
It’s no secret that Murphy is lightning quick and one of the best crossers of the ball in the Championship.
However, Mousinho has also been working with the winger on the defensive side of his game.
Murphy was barely known for tracking back and helping the defence when he first signed for Portsmouth.
However, new data shows that’s a side of his game which Mousinho has helped him improve.
Opta statistics suggest that Murphy has won a higher percentage of ground duels than any other Portsmouth player.
| Player | Total ground duels | Ground duels won | Percentage |
| Josh Murphy | 13 | 11 | 84.7% |
| Connor Ogilvie | 15 | 12 | 80% |
| Zak Swanson | 9 | 7 | 77.8% |
Before the match against Preston, he had engaged in 13 ground duels and won 11 of them (84.6%). He had also won his only aerial duel (100%).
- Read more: Portsmouth in last-ditch crisis for Josh Murphy to stay as second Championship club enters race
Josh Murphy showed why he can’t be sold against Preston
Nearly all of Portsmouth’s good attacking play came through Murphy on the left wing against Preston.
However, the winger also showed his defensive prowess at Fratton Park as well. The visitors had a lot more possession in the second half, but Murphy was constantly getting back and winning challenges during key moments.
It’s another reason why Portsmouth can’t sell him at any price during this transfer window.
- Josh Murphy was the difference-maker in so many games for Portsmouth last season.
- Portsmouth don’t have any other naturally left-sided wingers at the club, let alone any good as Murphy.
- They won’t have enough time to sign an adequate replacement.
Portsmouth have enjoyed a solid start to the season, and their squad looks much stronger compared to when Murphy signed last summer. Plus, Mousinho is helping him to become a better all-round player.
Pompey fans will hope that’s enough to keep him happy plying his trade at Fratton Park.
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