John Mousinho claims Portsmouth star is 'in the form of his life' after seizing opportunity

John Mousinho is pleased with Portsmouth's start to the campaign.

The Fratton Park side have lost just one of their last seven matches, sitting 13th in the Championship.

The only defeat was a narrow 1-0 loss to arch rivals Southampton in a tense south coast derby clash on 11 October.

They are just eight points behind Swansea, who occupy the top spot in the division right now.

Mousinho's side are also seven points above Burnley, who sit in the final place in the relegation zone at the moment, so it is shaping up to be a positive season in PO4.

He reserved special praise for one member of his squad after the recent performances.

Who did John Mousinho reserve praise for at Portsmouth?

Regan Poole has been one of the standout performers for the Blues in this campaign.

Mousinho singled the centre-back out in quotes reported by The News on Friday.

He said: "I think Regan ’s had a brilliant week.

"If we’re sat there post-international break saying he’s had seven games like that, I’d say he’s in the form of his life - not yet.

"I think Regan was excellent on Saturday, I think Saturday was his best game in a Portsmouth shirt and I thought he was excellent again at Wolves and led the team brilliantly.

"I do think Regan is the best he’s looked over the past week."

Poole's showings lately have been worthy of that kind of praise, as the data proves that he has been crucial.

How has Regan Poole played so far this season?

He has played seven times so far, with five starts in that time.

Poole has completed 87.5 per cent of his passes, and is averaging 3.49 line-breaking passes on a 90 minute basis, per FotMob data.

The 28-year-old has made 11.06 defensive contributions per game, with 0.58 tackles, 1.94 interceptions, 3.10 recoveries and 7.76 clearances.

Those numbers are impressive on their own, but his duel win ratio is even better.

He is winning 76.7 per cent on the ground and 73.3 per cent in the air, which are colossal figures.

If he continues in that form, it would be hard to dispute what Mousinho is saying, he will be in the form of his life.

He could help Pompey achieve a huge milestone, if they can rise into the top ten, or potentially challenge for the playoff places.

They need others to step up too, but right now, Poole is leading by example, and is an inspiration for his teammates to try and follow.

If they can get to the same level as the veteran defender, then it could be a very memorable campaign for everyone involved with the club.