‘He’s really exciting’: John Mousinho applauds the shining light in Portsmouth’s Sunderland humbling

There was a booking for pulling back Chris Rigg, but there was plenty to like in his physicality, tackling, and work rate, especially in a dismal 3-1 loss.

Mousinho told The News that they attempted to make substitutes earlier, but the third goal was scored before they could do so.

‘I believed we needed that extra energy to freshen things up and improve the shape, and they did well as a result.

‘Abdoulaye was really bright; he has come in and done well in the last week or two. It will be a significant transition for him from the Dortmund B team to Championship football, but he has done an excellent job, and we are quite thrilled about the possibilities he represents.

‘He added a lot of enthusiasm to the side when he came on; he trained hard and earned his spot.

‘He’s a decent-enough technical player who likes to get on the ball; he can also explode past players, making him a very entertaining midfielder.’

The signing of Freddie Potts on a season-long loan from West Ham has improved central midfield options.

He was an unused replacement against Sunderland, and Owen Moxon, Ben Stevenson, and Tom Lowery did not make the 20-man team.

Mousinho added: “We do have options.” We have quite a few midfielders in the building, and there will be a lot of competition going forward.

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