The Old School Tie - Foreign Exchange

Every good educational facility takes part in foreign exchange, and Portsmouth FC is no different. In the third of this week's articles resident teacher 'PFCGino' examines the weekend's performances and provides his grading on those former Blues that are currently playing outside of the English Leagues

Andres D'Alessandro - Internacional
We all remember him don't we! Andres D'Alessandro turned his back on European Football to return to South America to play for Sport Club Internacional. This weekend, they drew 2-2 with Atletico-MG, with D'Alessandro playing a small part by coming on as a late substitute. A good effort all round, but not on the pitch long enough to merit a grade.

Hayden Foxe - Perth / John Aloisi - Sydney FC
Two ex-Pompey players went head to head in the Australian A-League last weekend when Perth Glory took on Sydney FC. Hayden Foxe help his Perth side to a 2-1 win, whilst John Aloisi's frustration turned to despair as he was booked and also substituted after 73 minutes. Hayden Foxe produced a solid display in defence, being described as a 'rock' in most match reports in Australia, which is impressive considering it was his first game for the club this season (the season is halfway through). This was only Perth's second win of the season, and the coaching staff were describing Foxe as having injected the back four with the ingredient it had lacked all season - this is earning Foxe an A grade. Aloisi on the other hand, deserves a D.

Lucien Aubey - Rennes
Rennes drew 2-2 with Le Mans, former Pompey midfielder Lucien Aubey was an unused substitute in this match. No grade.

Pedro Mendes - Rangers
It took a while for us Pompey fans to get used to Pedro leaving, but at least he's not terrorising us from the Premiership! He now plies his trade in Scotland for Rangers, who this weekend beat Hamilton Academicals 3-1. Pedro, it comes as no surprise, played very well and did not look out of place in the heart of the Rangers midfield. Despite not being on the scoresheet, Pedro held it together, helping his team dominate, and thus earns a B+.

Sulley Muntari - Inter Milan
Arguably one of the best ever players to pull on a Portsmouth FC jersey, and definitely one of the most hot-headed. Sulley now plays for Inter Milan (as if you didn't know), and they hosted Genoa on Sunday, where they were held to a 0-0 draw. Sulley played a bit-part, being replaced after 56 minutes. Hot-Headed Muntari was characteristically booked after just 13 minutes, and for this I think he deserves an average C, given that he didn't contribute all that much.

That's it for the foreign exchange, PFCGino's view of ex-Pompey players currently out on loan will follow in a later article.

What are your thoughts on the players featured? Were you glad to see them go? Could we do with them now?

Do you agree with PFCGino's ratings?

Perhaps there's a particular player PFCGino hasn't featured or whom you'd like featured in more detail.

Please share your thoughts by posting a comment below.


To view PFCGino's report on the ex-blues in the Premiership 'click here' or for the lower leagues 'click here'

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.