The massive Portsmouth statement over former Bristol City, Luton Town and Lincoln City man as season soars

That’s the forthright opinion of the Wales international’s form from John Mousinho’s vantage point, as the Pompey midfielder’s displays go from strength to strength.

And the Blues head coach feels the captain’s armband has taken up Morrell’s displays up another gear, as he produces consistently impressive performances.

Mousinho feels the 26-year-old has shown just how important he is to side, as their powerful form continues.

He said: ‘This is easily the best football Joe’s played since I’ve been here. And having watched him for the past couple of years I think it’s the best football I’ve seen him play in his career.

‘He’s controlling games in the middle of the park and been excellent. He’s providing a real defensive stability as well.

‘His output in terms of his running is always incredibly high.

‘You don’t have a massively high sprint distance with Joe, but the distance covered is immense and he does that while looking very tidy on the ball. He hardly gives it away and keeps it ticking over - he plays forward and he runs forward.

‘I just think he keeps up ticking very nicely and the way we want to control games, it’s really important we get hold of the middle of the park. Joe has done that really well, no matter who he’s played with.