The 20-year-old had been one of the players causing Pocognoli concern ahead of the previous international window because of his limited opportunities at club level.
However, Gannon-Doak has enjoyed more playing time in recent weeks, particularly in Bournemouth's Europa League campaign, and his performance in the 3-0 victory over AC Milan made a strong impression on the Scotland manager.
Pocognoli believes the winger has returned to the national set-up in a much better condition ahead of Scotland's final two Nations League fixtures against North Macedonia and Switzerland.
"Ben's intensity is totally different from when he arrived in the camp in La Manga (at the start of the last window)," he said.
"You saw his press against AC Milan or in the other Europa League games, it's totally different fitness now.
"I am very happy with him and I believe that if we are playing good football it doesn't matter the shape, he's in the best position.
"He's a young lad, twenty years old, so he needs confidence and to feel the love. He's a top player and top players want to improve every day.
"I like his mentality, it's exciting to see it but what's the most exciting is that he's still to improve on many aspects of the game."
Pocognoli is particularly encouraged by the winger's potential to become more effective in the final third. He believes Gannon-Doak's decision-making is developing, but wants to see him become more clinical in front of goal.
"If he can improve on being more clinical in front of goal he would probably have scored two goals in the last camp," he added.
"His assists and crossing is more with the idea before like: 'If I put a cross in, Scott McTominay will make a bicycle kick'.
"But you see a little bit more of him thinking what the next action is when he's dribbling. When he's more efficient I think he will be a different level. But he's only 20 years old so it's quite exciting."
Gannon-Doak's improvement is significant because Pocognoli had previously warned that players would find it difficult to retain their places in the Scotland squad if they were not getting regular football for their clubs.
The winger joined Bournemouth from Liverpool in a deal worth £25million but had struggled to establish himself before his recent increase in involvement.
Pocognoli had hoped the arrival of European football would give players on the fringes more opportunities to build their fitness and confidence.
"I said to the lads when they arrived in September there were a lot of players with a lack of minutes," he explained.
"I said that when European football arrives they'll probably share it. I'm sure the camp we had allowed a lot of players to go back to their clubs to bounce.
"If you compare it to the first camp, there are maybe only two or three players who have been playing less minutes but the rest have continued.
"So I think the camp helped them build the confidence and get some minutes."
The manager now believes Gannon-Doak is in a better position to contribute, while also stressing that there is considerable room for further development. His challenge is to turn the improved fitness and confidence into consistent performances for Scotland.