Portsmouth’s recruitment during the summer of 2023 certainly raised a few eyebrows.
Several players who weren’t well-known came through the Fratton Park doors. Yet, Richard Hughes’ judgement will be trusted from now on.
Abu Kamara, Alex Robertson and Jack Sparkes were signed relatively under the radar. However, all three have made significant impacts during the 2023/24 campaign.
Another who arrived as an unknown was Kusini Yengi. The 25-year-old Aussie endured a mixed time down under but has certainly found his feet at Fratton Park.
The striker’s involvement cannot be understated. On Saturday, he scored what could be a vital goal in the 1-0 win over Peterborough United.
His second-half strike now puts him ahead of Erling Haaland in one goalscoring metric.
Kusini Yengi has done one thing more than any other player in England
Courtesy of Playmakerstats, the big Aussie now has the best minutes-per-goal ratio in England’s top four leagues.
Norwich’s Josh Sargent is a close second, with Jamie Vardy and West Brom’s Mikey Johnston ahead of Haaland.
The Pompey striker is among some fairly impressive company at the moment.
How does Kusini Yengi match up to Colby Bishop?
It’s been a tricky balancing act for John Mousinho. Colby Bishop’s presence has made life difficult, with the Pompey boss reluctant to play both simultaneously.
Per FotMob, Yengi is averaging nearly 0.5 more goals per game than Bishop (0.47). It would be interesting to see the Australian’s tally if he had played most of the season.
Furthermore, the 25-year-old xG is 0.4 higher than Pompey’s top scorer. However, Bishop’s game is undoubtedly better in certain aspects.
His ability to hold the ball up is objectively at a higher level. Bishop wins and contests more duels in the air and on the ground.
A striker who can ease pressure on the defensive unit is essential, and the former Accrington man provides that.
However, as we head into the season’s final furlong, the pair operating together is likely to be the outcome. With doubts over Christian Saydee and Callum Lang’s fitness, Mousinho has an opportunity to persist with the front two that worked so well against Posh.