Surpassing expectations: Portsmouth manager praises newfound goal-scoring sensation and pinpoints optimal position for ex-Wigan player.
John Mousinho acknowledges that Callum Lang’s explosive goal-scoring impact at Pompey has gone beyond initial predictions.
Despite having scored only three goals in 29 appearances for Wigan earlier in the season, Lang has quickly become a key figure, finding the net four times in his first seven outings for Portsmouth, including a debut goal against Oxford United in January.
Mousinho is convinced that deploying Lang in the number 10 role has brought out the best in the 25-year-old, turning him into a talisman for Pompey’s promotion aspirations. The head coach admits that while Lang’s recruitment was an obvious choice, the substantial goal return has pleasantly surprised the team.
Lang’s flexibility across the front line is highlighted, with Mousinho emphasizing that they don’t utilize him as a traditional number 10. Instead, they focus on maximizing his strengths, positioning him slightly more centrally to create goal-scoring opportunities. Mousinho praises Lang’s impact, stating that it aligns perfectly with the reason they brought him to the club.
Despite Lang’s previous stint at Wigan, where he scored three goals in 29 appearances primarily operating on the flanks, Mousinho points out that the attacker recorded an impressive 18 goals in the 2021-22 season, helping Wigan secure the title in League One under Leam Richardson.
Had a wretched period at #Pompey. But he's now back playing competitive football for the time in three years. So deserves good times ahead. https://t.co/6BQKbdsnet
— Neil Allen (@pn_neil_allen) March 7, 2024
Comparing Lang to other number 10 examples like Myles Peart-Harris and Alex Robertson, Mousinho notes that Lang stays higher up the pitch, focusing on impacting the game in the attacking third. The manager appreciates Lang’s goal-scoring prowess and prefers him in a more central role, rejecting the notion of him being a traditional winger.
In summary, Mousinho is delighted with Lang’s swift adaptation to the team, emphasizing the player’s immediate physical contribution and confidence boost from his impactful debut. The manager sees Lang’s success as a result of strategic positioning and utilizing his strengths, contributing significantly to Pompey’s push for promotion.
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