Times in brackets (MM:SS) are the video timings not the match timings.

Pollock looked a decent build, lean but solid, and his general mobility was good. At times, though, he did not use his body as well as he should, getting muscled off it on occasion (see teammate Hall #27 on 21:25 showing how to use body and weight distribution to challenge). In the air, he needs work, he often leapt with a token effort and at times smaller opponents won
the aerial duel (28:20 and 37:00). From a stamina perspective – he saw the game out well.

Pollock often dropped in, with two CFs (Newton #9 and Hall #27) ahead of him (who often split apart in the 3-4-1-2). At times, he had opportunity to fill that gap and break beyond the two CFs, but he did not do this. He did not really run the channels (as per instructions defined at the top of the report) and often made straight line runs forward – lacking the guile to vary his runs. He played the ACM role more as a midfielder than as a secondary striker – because, I expect, he had two CFs in front of him.  At set pieces, he either joined teammates on the edge of the box (from where he got his goal) or hung back outside the box. He did not get involved in aerial duels but was always looking for the ball to drop to him. Defensively, at times, he allowed players to run off him (93:41). He looked to match up against the DCM for Ramsgate (#10) keeping tabs on that player but was prone to make it too easy in the first-half for Ramsgate to bring the ball forward (20:37) or pass forward, lacking nous to block the passing lane (21:15) and with intensity lacking (31:40). This improved as the game wore on, though overall, his effort and intensity need to get better (as was the case on 28:15 where he did well – needs more of that approach). If he can improve his intensity, this will help his team, tactically, and raise with teammates / manager his profile for being a reliable defensively diligent contributor – someone they can trust. Without increased defensive intensity he runs the danger of being tagged a ‘luxury player’. As an ACM, at times, a game can pass a player by, and Pollock needs to figure out what he does in these situations / game phases – Go looking for it? Offer more in deeper positions in midfield? Offer more defensively? Make runs for others? He needs to think about what his strategy will be on those occasions. When dropping into an orthodox CM position (on the introduction of #10 and #20 for Brackley), he did not show any great passing range, but the (often) moderate tempo of his play on the ball suggests he would be comfortable in the role of deep-lying playmaker. 

Technically, Pollock is standout for the level. He is capable with both feet and can pick a pass or deliver an effective cross into the box. His first touch is excellent (26:30, 38:14 and many other
occasions, 40:55 great feet), and he looks completely at home with the ball at his feet. First touch, general control, ball carrying, lay-offs (including for the Newton goal) all showcase his superb technical ability. He possesses finishing ability above the level too (see his goal) and can bring others into the game with good feet in the process of linking play.

 

Early in the game (17:20) Pollock showed quick reactions to pounce on the ball and break forward well. But, on other occasions, this vigour was lacking in his play. At one point, he did not read the knock-down (on 20:20) when his teammate Hall did, and this showed a tendency for him to be a touch reactive in his play. As referenced in the tactical section, he could lack intensity and desire to close and needs to work on this aspect of his game. In attacking situations, his movement was inconsistent, occasionally lacking, though, other times he did well (33:28). He should not be afraid to show more often for the ball and demand to receive it from teammates (as he did not do, but should have done, on 41:22). Though, he did show well in another situation (35:50), by offering for the throw then heading on a super run – and more of that type of play is required. To vary his play, when not demanding it, he needs to learn to stand still and let space open up around him (watch Cantona – the master of this) or look to create opportunities with subtle movement (he did this well on the odd occasion to prove he has it in his locker: i.e. on 82:54). He needs to think about where the space is and then exploit it, rather than focus on the positions of players on the pitch. The best players gravitate to spaces –
he needs to learn better to do the same. Above: Here Pollock has the chance to find space and create an easy pass for his teammate or create space for the man on the ball by dragging opponents away.