In Pompey’s holding role, Alex Robertson has emerged as a midfielder with vast potential, a development that John Mousinho applauded.
In addition, the Blues manager acknowledged that despite the Australian sensation’s success for his team, he had never seen him play defense in the middle of the park.
Since joining on loan from Manchester City for the season, Robertson has been a revelation. Following his transition to a deeper-lying role alongside Joe Morrell and Marlon Pack, his form has recently reached new heights.
Now that Morrell has returned from a two-game suspension, all three players are available for Monday’s matchup against Bolton at the top of the table. That means Mousinho has a big decision to make ahead of the tantalizingly anticipated Sky match against Ian Evatt’s team.
In Pompey’s 4-2-3-1 formation, Robertson moved to one of two number six positions as Pack and Morrell were both out due to injury and suspension. Nevertheless, it doesn’t appear to have affected Robertson’s attacking tendencies, as he emerges as a crucial player in his side’s back line.
Speaking at the beginning of the season, Mousinho stated, “I don’t think Alex would have anticipated he’d be playing as well as he is at the moment, in a position we both looked at and didn’t necessarily think it was his best position.”
“I think he’s been a great holding midfielder lately, especially with how much he can control games from the middle of the park and go forward.”
“That also probably tells a little bit of a lie because, despite being a holding midfielder, we don’t want him to stay there.” When we do move forward, we want him to be in control of the game during one phase and then attempt to get in the box and score.
“That’s what we’ve seen, and he’s athletic enough and capable enough—he can handle the ball, for sure.” The better he gets at performing these tasks, the better.
There is an advantage to adding another player with attacking instincts to Mousinho’s squad by using Robertson as a holding midfielder. The Socceroos international has shown, in the Pompey manager’s opinion, that he is also more than capable of serving as a defensive wall for his back four.
“Alex has the versatility to do all three positions—he can play as a six, eight, or ten,” Mousinho continued. Having a player with his attacking ability there is one of the best things, but he also plays excellent defense.
He won’t disappoint you by acting defensively. In addition to being a brave boy, he competes and has good aerial skills. He is therefore doing incredibly well overall.
