John Mousinho acknowledges Jordan Williams’ ‘different talents’ at right-back to Joe Rafferty complement Pompey’s development.
The former Barnsley player will be the Blues’ first choice in the position once held by Rafferty and Zak Swanson during the League One title-winning season.
Despite being expected to play right-sided centre-half at Oakwell last season, Mousinho has earmarked Williams for right-back in the upcoming Championship season. The decision to release the popular Rafferty sparked outrage among many Fratton fans, who expected the 30-year-old to sign a new contract. However, the Blues’ head coach is drawn to Williams’ alternate qualities.
Mousinho told The News: “Jordan’s natural position is right-back, someone who can provide width and get forward, and we play full-backs as a back four.”
‘We lined up as a back four in 43 of our 46 league games; we know the structure and the way we want to play, but you have to attack; we want that versatility.’We want players who are fluid and can do both; I want full-backs who can get forward while still defending the back post effectively.
‘Jordan has distinct traits than Joe, and any new player will be different from previous players.
‘I wouldn’t say it’s more or less of anything, but Jordan certainly adds a unique style of play. Barnsley supporters would have seen him play as a right-sided centre-half as well as a right-wing back, where he is likely to be more straight-lined and attacking, going into the final third.
‘Joe used to provide excellent support from underneath, especially when Abs (Kamara) was on the right side. He let Abs do all of the work during the one-on-one.Who knows how the dynamics of that will change this year, given the other players in the building.
Williams is the only senior right-back at Fratton Park right now, although Terry Devlin and Regan Poole can operate.
there. However, Mousinho has not declared him as his preferred candidate for the post. He continued, “We’ve brought Jordan into play; that will be down with him.”We wouldn’t necessarily say, “You are first or second choice” to each new player. We have expectations for players.
‘We never guarantee slots to anyone; we don’t talk to goalkeepers about being number one or number two; instead, we talk about guys coming in and always having a chance to make an impact.
‘The expectation from Jordan and from us isn’t whether he comes in and plays; it’s about his pre-season performance and how well he fits into the team.’
there. However, Mousinho has not declared him as his preferred candidate for the post. He continued, “We’ve brought Jordan into play; that will be down with him.”We wouldn’t necessarily say, “You are first or second choice” to each new player. We have expectations for players.
‘We never guarantee slots to anyone; we don’t talk to goalkeepers about being number one or number two; instead, we talk about guys coming in and always having a chance to make an impact.
‘The expectation from Jordan and from us isn’t whether he comes in and plays; it’s about his pre-season performance and how well he fits into the team.’
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