John Mousinho makes bold Conor Chaplin claim with Portsmouth form under scrutiny
Portsmouth playmaker Conor Chaplin hasn’t enjoyed the productive return to Portsmouth that many were expecting when he signed a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day.
Chaplin made his second Portsmouth debut in the 0-0 draw against Southampton, and many fans agreed that he played well in that game.
However, the Portsmouth-born attacker was undeniably below-par in Pompey’s home games against Sheffield Wednesday and Watford.
The likes of Adrian Segecic and Yang Min-hyeok shone far brighter against Watford, leading to debates about whether Chaplin should start against Middlesbrough on Saturday.
John Mousinho says Conor Chaplin was the best player in the Championship
Portsmouth have scored seven goals in eight league games this season, as John Mousinho has been forced to tinker with his attacking line-up due to various injuries.
When questioned about Chaplin’s early form for Pompey, Mousinho shared no doubts about his loan signing eventually coming good.
Speaking to The News, he even went as far as suggesting that Chaplin was the best player in the Championship two seasons ago.
He said: “I guess when you have a transfer deadline day move it can be unsettling, and he’s now settling in down here. He’s making sure he’s adjusting to the system and everything we want him to do.
“It’s a lofty statement, but I don’t think I’m wrong in saying I think Chappers was the best player in the Championship – and we want to get him back there.”
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Portsmouth can’t afford to carry anyone against Middlesbrough
Portsmouth have a tricky run of fixtures in October, starting with Middlesbrough’s visit to Fratton Park on Saturday.
Middlesbrough are top of the league and will be favourites to claim the win, so Portsmouth won’t be able to afford to carry any player not pulling their weight.
If Mousinho does keep the faith with Chaplin, he’ll need the 28-year-old to be far more productive in terms of goals and assists.
| Conor Chaplin 2025-26 statistics (Ipswich and Portsmouth) | |
| Appearances | 8 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
Adrian Segecic has three goals for Portsmouth already this season. He scored the equaliser after replacing Chaplin in the 2-2 draw with Watford. The Australian is chomping at the bit, as is Yang Min-hyeok who scored the opening goal in that game. Josh Murphy looks set to return to the Portsmouth team imminently as well.
It’s all well and good praising what Chaplin did two years ago for Ipswich, but if he can’t deliver the goods for Pompey soon, he’ll likely find himself warming the substitutes bench.
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