Pan is a clear case of how Argyle's coaching team have worked with him, often on an individual basis, to improve him as a player. I remember Schuey doing an interview where he explained how they were trying to harness Pan's remarkable running qualities (often attainting distances achieved by the Premiership's best at around 14km per game) for the greater benefit of the team.
At higher levels of the game it is not just about running it is about composure and the ability to make the right pass at the right time. Pan has a remarkable gift for tackling back and ball retrieval. He is not so good at the final pass and is excitable in front of goal. My observation this season was that he was improving in all areas of his game and his infectious enthusiasm clearly earned great and deserved affection with the Green Army who recognised his continued and improving contribution to the team.
To my mind Pan is a 'work in progress' and I am sure would have been an even better player had he signed a new contract and stayed with Argyle. It will be interesting to see how he fits into the data analytical nature of recruitment even more evident in the top two divisions. His elevation to a goal scoring full international may even put him on the radar of some European sides. If he is to leave I hope we get a worthy fee for the improvement the coaching team have achieved with him over his two seasons with us.
Equally, I do not share the despondency some have expressed about his impending departure as threat to our Championship ambitions next season. Last year's recruitment was rooted in the data analytics that the Club have firmly embraced. None of the players brought in were on any rumour mill radar. All performed beyond original expectation. I expect the same again in the close season and there is every chance we will recruit a player of similar abilities and with coached improvement over time, possibly an even better one.