Why Mattie Pollock would be a good long-term investment for Fulham
According to The Daily Telegraph, Fulham are running the rule over highly-rated Grimsby Town centre-back Mattie Pollock heading into the January transfer window.
Premier League rivals West Brom are also believed to be scouting the 19-year-old centre-back, who has earned rave reviews for his performances for the Mariners in EFL League Two this season. Pollock’s current contract at Blundell Park is due to expire next summer but Grimsby Town have the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months. (h/t Daily Telegraph)
Pollock started his career in the youth ranks of Leeds United before joining Grimsby Town in 2018. He made his debut against Exeter City in December that year aged just 17 and eventually assumed a more prominent role during the 2019-20 campaign, featuring 21 times across all competitions.
The teenager has progressed by leaps and bounds to establish himself as a regular starter at the heart of Grimsby’s backline this term. Pollock has made 21 appearances across all competitions so far, starting 16 games in League Two.
Standing at 6ft 3in with a powerful frame, the centre-back has also caught the eye with his exploits further up the pitch, scoring 4 times already this season.
Putting things into perspective, Mattie Pollock looks like a player with real potential and Fulham beating off competition for the teenager would be a solid investment for the future. That he’s playing regular first-team football, regardless of the level of competition, at the tender age of 19 clearly underlines his development and maturity.
Having said that, however, Pollock wouldn’t really be an immediate first-team option for Scott Parker’s side. Fulham roped in Joachim Andersen and Tosin Adarabioyo in the summer while Terence Kongolo also returned to Craven Cottage on a permanent transfer to bolster the backline.
With Tim Ream, Denis Odoi and Maxime Le Marchand also competing for places, the Cottagers are already very well stocked in central defence. Pollock is unlikely to burst onto the scene during the second half of the campaign given such stiff competition in the ranks. Fulham, though, should look at him as a diamond in the rough and one who could potentially make a big name for himself in the years to come.
Pollock isn’t exactly a complete rookie considering that he already boasts 50 appearances for Grimsby Town in all competitions. Having excelled as a regular starter in League Two, Fulham should look to enhance his development with some loan spells, first in League One and then in the Championship. That would likely prepare him for life in the Premier League moving forward.
Verdict
Scott Parker has shown that he’s not hesitant to hand the youngsters regular game time if they are genuinely good enough to do a job for the team. The likes of Ademola Lookman and Antonee Robinson have been among the club’s standout performers in the Premier League this season.
Read More
- Why Fulham should go all out to land Said Benrahma before the deadline
- Why Fulham should go all out for Marlon Santos to bolster their defence
Mattie Pollock still has plenty of room for development before he evolves into a finished article capable of thriving in the top-flight. But Fulham have every reason to be hopeful that he can eventually make the grade as the centre-back’s early potential certainly points to a bright future. All in all, this should be a good low-risk signing for the Cottagers in January.
