Daniels is a huge asset
Begovic: Defender can help secure Pompey’s Championship return
CHARLIE DANIELS possesses the qualities to help secure Pompey’s Championship return.
That’ s the verdict of former team-mate Asmir Begovic as the left-back closes in on his Fratton Park move.
Free-agent Daniels is presently finalising his Blues switch, yet The News understands Pompey are privately extremely confident of sealing his arrival.
Ex-Pompey goalkeeper Begovic shared a Bournemouth dressing room with the experienced defender for three seasons before Daniels departed last summer and later signed a short-term deal at League One Shrewsbury.
The 34-year-old contacted the Cherries keeper earlier this week to pick his brains about the Blues as a footballing destination.
And Begovic revealed he delivered a glowing reference for the club where he started his career – and remains close to his heart.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper told The News: ‘Charlie’s a fantastic player and an even better person.
‘I’ve known him for a few years now and we’ve become really good friends.
‘He’s had bad luck with a couple of injuries, but is such a great guy and a great professional who has worked his way back and is now looking very, very strong.
‘I think he’ll be a great signing for Pompey and hopefully get them promoted.
‘Charlie’s a great professional, a leader, he does everything right on a daily basis and is a really, really good person to have in any dressing room.
‘He had an unbelievable run at Bournemouth and towards the end was a little unfortunate with a couple of injuries.
‘Fair play to him, some guys would have stopped playing, but no, no he just cracked on, did his rehab, went to Shrewsbury to prove what a good player he still is and is now getting a fantastic move to Pompey.
‘We spoke a few days ago. I told him Kenny Jackett is a good guy and that he’ll love it down there.
‘I’ve got nothing but praise about Pompey.
‘There is no secret how good the club is, people don’t need to be told too much about it.
‘Charlie lives on the south coast, so it also makes sense logistically family-wise, and he will be a great signing.
‘I think he will help get Pompey promoted.’
During almost nine years at Dean Court, Daniels achieved two promotions before being a pivotal player in preserving their Premier League status.
His final top-flight outing was a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in August 2019 during an injury-hampered campaign for the left-back last term.
Begovic added: ‘Charlie has an unbelievable left foot, his delivery is fantastic, he’s got great positional awareness and still gets up and down really well.
‘He’s someone who can complement a winger, his understanding of the game is fantastic. His relationship with Marc Pugh at Bournemouth was quite special for many years.
‘Charlie’s someone who knows the game really well and contributes in many ways. Whether it’s playing as a wing-back or left-back, he can do both.
‘He’s a really talented and smart player.’