“It has been a decade since Abu Kamara regularly assumed the role of a left winger.
Nevertheless, despite this extended absence from the position, the Norwich loanee has become a consistent presence for Portsmouth, currently leading the table.
The 20-year-old has been featured in the starting lineup for nine out of the Blues’ last ten matches on the left flank, emerging as the preferred choice over Gavin Whyte, Jack Sparkes, and the injured Anthony Scully.
This position was one he last played at the age of 10, before his time with the Canaries, where he was converted into a right winger or striker.
Now, Kamara is flourishing after returning to his original role, representing Portsmouth in all 18 of their matches this season and contributing with two goals and three assists.
However, Kamara himself admits that this isn’t his most effective position. He mentioned, ‘It feels strange dribbling with my left foot on the side. I haven’t played regularly as a left winger since I was 10 or 11. While it used to be my position, I’ve mainly played on the right or in the center since then. There was a brief stint last season, but usually, I’ve been on the right or in the center, so playing on the left feels a bit unfamiliar, although I’m adapting.’
He reflected on his goal against Gillingham, saying, ‘I’m used to playing from the right, drifting inside the full-back and using my left foot to bend it. Now, on the left wing, it feels a bit restrictive, but it’s all about practice in that position to improve.’
Kamara described his evolution, ‘When I was younger, I started as a left winger, then transitioned between left-back with the freedom to move forward and a number 10. In my scholar years, I was changed to a striker, playing in a two-striker formation, mostly as the one behind the striker or on the right, where I scored quite a few goals. However, last season against Leeds in the under-21s, I briefly played on the left wing.’
He emphasized, ‘I’m still learning what I can do on the left, but to bring out the best in me, I prefer being central, getting more involved in the game, or perhaps on the right, where I feel more comfortable.’
Kamara made three substitute appearances for Norwich toward the end of the last season, but the desire for consistent first-team action to aid his development led him to Fratton Park on a season-long loan.
He added, ‘Playing on the left and getting game time isn’t so bad. I’m getting a lot of playing time, and I’m really enjoying it. I’d rather play than not play. To be honest, I didn’t expect to play this much. I thought I would be coming on here and there. So, playing in every game shows that the manager has trust in me.'”
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