"Cannot afford" - Portsmouth FC: Callum Lang exit fear raised | OneFootball

We spoke to our resident Portsmouth pundit to get his take on what player is invaluable this January window.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

After a difficult start to the season, recent weeks have seen Portsmouth really begin to pick up speed.

Having won just one of their opening 14 fixtures, you couldn't be blamed for thinking that John Mousinho's side may go down without a fight. However, since their turgid display against Plymouth Argyle, Pompey have shown great spirit, losing one of their last six games.

This has seen dominant performances arise against the likes of Bristol City and Coventry, with Portsmouth seeing them off 3-0 and 4-1 respectively.

Last Saturday's fixture against the Sky Blues was certainly a particular highlight with the ever-impressive Callum Lang netting all four goals.

This sees January arrive at a positive moment and while Mousinho will be looking to add to his group, he will be desperate to keep some of his main attractions heading into the second half of the season.

Posed the question of which player is invaluable to Pompey, FLW's Portsmouth fan pundit Miltos Ioannidis said: "Callum Lang - we simply cannot afford to lose him by any means in January; he's that good.

"The impact Callum Lang has had since joining the club, especially this season in the Championship, is absolutely monumental. It is really tough to imagine a world where Lang leaves the club.

"A great example is last week when we played Norwich in a game we probably should have won, based on the possession we had and the chances we created. After the game, you were left with the feeling that we were a Callum Lang away from getting over the line, as he was suspended for that match. He is really that important.

"His efficiency is so catalytic to the way we play - we simply cannot afford to lose a player like him.

"Callum Lang is someone that the existing squad, and players who come in, can rely on all the time.

Lang has surprised Portsmouth fans

Signed from Wigan Athletic last January, it was always understood that Lang was a strong League One player, but his transformation in the second tier has been nothing short of remarkable.

His nine goals in 16 games is an impressive tally, and he will likely continue his scoring habits with his expected goals ranking in the top 10 of players in the Championship.

While he still has chance creation elements he can work on, his finishing has saved Portsmouth from perilous positions this season and Mousinho will be delighted they picked him up from the Latics last January.