'Mystifying state of affairs' at Portsmouth as Josh Murphy situation slammed
Josh Murphy has been one of Portsmouth's key players since he arrived at the club.
Murphy missed the game against Sheffield Wednesday through injury, but could be back to face Ipswich Town next week.
Portsmouth were beaten by Wednesday last time out in a really poor display, where Murphy was sorely missed.
John Mousinho will want to have his star man back soon, as Pompey look to get back to winning ways following Saturday's disappointment.
Portsmouth must not 'squander' Josh Murphy
Murphy was linked with a move away from Fratton Park, with Leicester City testing Portsmouth's resolve with a number of bids.
The Englishman remained at Portsmouth and will be one of the club's big players in their second season back in the Championship.
Chris Dunlavy, writing in the Football League Paper, highlighted just how important Murphy is to Pompey's attacking endeavours.
"At St Mary’s, no player on the pitch delivered more crosses than Murphy’s 12. Season-wide, the only second-tier player to have crossed more balls is Stoke’s Sorba Thomas, with 47 to Murphy’s 46, ahead of the weekend fixtures.
Against Saints, Murphy delivered three or four balls into undefendable areas. Unfortunately for him, nobody was there."
Dunlavy went on to bemoan that Murphy's teammates weren't taken advantage of this production.
"It was a mystifying state of affairs. When the ball is coming in that frequently and that accurately, attacking space isn’t even a gamble. It’s common sense.
Having fought so hard to retain the services of Murphy, Portsmouth must make sure they do not squander his talent."
Portsmouth fans should be shocked by these statistics and will be hoping Murohy's teammates can pick up the slack and take advantage of the chances they're being provided with.
Josh Murphy could leave Portsmouth in January
Portsmouth did well to hang on to Murphy during the summer, but more transfer drama could be on the way.
Murphy will no doubt be subject to more transfer speculation in January, and Pompey will do well to retain his services.
- Murphy joined Portsmouth on a free transfer last summer, following a spell at Oxford United
- The winger made 46 appearances last season, scoring seven goals
- Murphy has yet to find the back of the net this campaign
Murphy had the joint most assists in the Championship last season, and clubs will be circling to try to bring him in.
Pompey need to make the best use of his talents while he is still at Fratton Park, as he may not be around for much longer.
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