Portsmouth boss on the secret behind a 29-year-old becoming the Blues’ most improved Championship performer
The 29-year-old Pompey’s most improved player this season doesn’t precisely meet the requirements for such a distinction.
Despite this, older statesman Connor Ogilvie has excelled in the Championship after a challenging start, and there’s a good possibility it will end well.
John Mousinho acknowledges that the former Gillingham player’s game has improved and that a “few minor tweaks here and there” have allowed him to create great form.
Ogilvie, who previously played in League One and League Two, attributes his impressive performances primarily to his need to adjust to his new environment.
And now that he’s made 32 league appearances this season, he looks like a champion.
“There are times when it requires some adjustment,” Mousinho told The News. Since Connor has been playing League One for so long, I would say that his career has been outstanding.
Now that he has a shot in the Championship, he has performed admirably, even though it likely took him a few games to get used to it.
Suddenly facing Dan James, who is well beyond the level, on the first day must have been difficult. Together with everything else, that was the result of the assault at Elland Road. That was the beginning of winger after winger.
As Connor got used to it, he now seemed to be at ease on the level. I attribute it to the team’s improvement around Connor as much as to Connor’s professionalism and adjustment.
The way he handles wingers and makes sure he portrays them in a particular manner are the only little changes we’ve made to him. Only a few small changes here and there
Having Murph in front of him and the team’s defensive cohesion and compactness have also undoubtedly aided him. There is no denying that Murph’s defensive output is beneficial.
He’s playing pretty well. With Connor, defense is the most crucial aspect; we want to make sure he is an exceptionally skilled defender who bases everything he does on it.
But from set pieces to back post opportunities, we know he has always posed an offensive threat. Now, we’re also attempting to move him into a few different places, especially with Murph on the left.
Since last year, there has been a change in the way he tries to play his game and how we want him to play it, and he has adapted rather well.
This season, Ogilvie has only missed one league game, being unable to play in Sheffield United’s visit in September due to illness.
On that occasion, Jacob Farrell filled in, but recurrent injury problems have kept the Australian from providing reliable competition for the left-back position.
Cohen Bramall’s January arrival now provides that option, but given Ogilvie’s stellar play, the former Rotherham player is also likely to be let down.
Pompey’s head coach went on to say: “Yes, I firmly believe Connor is a Championship player, and I have every confidence in him starting every week.”
Then he needs to take it and show himself by proving that he is still a Championship player when we talk again in July.
Staying in the league and making sure you earn your spot gives you the right to be a Championship player, Championship coach, and Championship club. Although there have been positive developments thus far, there is still a very long way to go.
