Bobby Pointon is 21-year-old (2004) Left footed, English attacking midfielder and a product of the Bradford City academy where he’s now a first team regular. He shows versatility, can operate in wider positions off both flanks but more frequently plays as the left attacking midfielder in Bradford’s narrow 5-2-2-1 formation.
Pointon is a smaller frame standing at 1.76m tall, and although he can struggle in aerial duels his aggression in ground challenges often make up for this. He possesses a good standard of acceleration, excellent stamina and quick reactions to chances to run directly into space with only aids with his speed, although his smaller gate does result in his acceleration evening out over longer distances.
In possession, Pointon is always looking to progress, he has strong scanning ability, vision and often attempts through balls, capable of weighting well into the path of the run, whilst some inconsistencies result in the line being slightly off, the potential is clearly there. Technically strong in tighter areas, currently shows more want and ability in playing ground passes, he can combine with short flicks, back heel attempts as well as cushioned lay-offs, short passes ahead into overlapping runs and can generate power and whip on crosses from wide areas nearer the touchline when overlapping himself.
Pointon shows a capable first touch often looking to open out to see the pitch, but with some current inconsistencies on accelerated touches, both on the first touch and when at full speed being slightly overhit. But has strong technique in how he protects the ball, using his arms and body to ride challenges/ get across the tackle to put distance between them and the ball, he combines for pass and move combinations and is capable of creating the space for his next action through short shifts/ take-ons using his small centre of gravity, quick feet and agility, relying on technical craft over explosiveness in 1v1 situations.
Off the ball Pointon is aggressive in the press, will quickly jump at opposition defenders and chase back to the opposition GK, but can mistime the press and be caught high, being easily passed around due to the space left behind.
Bobby is very aware of the space around him especially in the left half space, can quickly drop into deeper positions to intelligently drag his marker before bursting in behind into the space he’s created. He’ll make small sidestep adjustments to be in an optimum position to receive the ball, can overlap on the left to cross from wider positions, makes surging runs from deep to attack space often between the FB and CB, as well as recognising space in more central positions when his striker moves wide.
Pointon is clearly confident, aggressive and determined, he’s taking his chance in the first team for Bradford City and has not only become one of the regular starters but also one of their best players. He’s technically strong, shows awareness of space and other runners and has potential to become a player that can unlock a defence with and without the ball.
Despite showing a strong mental character, there are times where he steps over the fine line between being emotionally driven to emotionally distracted, causing some outbursts at decisions not going his way and a slight drop in his levels of performance. But as mentioned he’s still a young, in only his second season as a first team regular and has plenty of time to continue to grow into his potential.
Bobby Pointon clearly has strong potential and I could see him moving into a solid mid-table Championship side in the future, perhaps with a loan or season within EFL League One as he adapts to the demands of moving up the leagues.
Target Scouting 