Paul Pogba is world class, no doubt. He oozes class when Sextuple, yes, really! It will be a dream come true! If Manchester United make these three signings the complete title haul will become a realistic target.he plays for France. Unfortunately, Pogba is a “lesser version” of himself when he plays for Manchester United. It’s a puzzle taking long to solve.
Everybody’s aware of the “Unlock Pogba” dilemma! Why is he so good when he plays for his international side but less often so when he plays for his club? Is it him, or is it club’s shortcoming? Or is it all the noise around him off the pitch? What unlocks Pogba when he plays for France? Perhaps only Pogba knows the answers!
In the public eye, there are several pieces to this puzzle.
Midfield Formation
In Ole’s preferred 4-2-3-1 setup, Pogba’s most appropriate place is indeed one of the two deep lying midfielders (read defensive) as made clear by Ole. However, Pogba himself most probably prefers to play as a CM in a 4-3-3 setup, with one CDM behind himself and the other CM. He flourishes in this particular CM role for France. The key is the top class CDM. It enables Pogba to focus on creating attacks and also removes the extra-pressure in providing defensive support having known that there is a top class CDM lurking behind him.
Pogba likes to impose himself in center midfield and requires time on the ball to do so. He also likes to go forward. However, he does lack the pace necessary to provide defensive cover when opponents break into attack. Premier League football is faster, more aggressive and more direct comparing to international football.
This means United needs a top class CDM to accompany Paul Pogba. United’s Brazilian midfielder Fred Rodriguez and academy graduate Scott McTominay is able to provide adequate support but his consistency is an issue. Ole clearly does not trust a single CDM to start from the current squad.
Toxic British Media
British media is notorious to say the least. Due to Pogba’s stardom he does make headlines regularly, for the wrong reasons mostly. Pogba gets slated in the media for the most trivial matters.
British media feeds racism and Islamophobia to the public. These things are rooted deep into British culture. This is why Caucasian, English and Christian Phil Foden doesn’t make the headlines after getting caught cheating on his wife. Foden’s new haircut, however is celebrated in the media. On the other side, Pogba does the same and he gets criticized, that’s right – for having a haircut!
Being only British won’t do you a favor. Raheem Sterling, because he is a Muslim has been subjected to ridiculous media bullying.
So what does Pogba do? He tries to ignore all this and focus on his football. It’s not Pogba’s to fix, the British is long rotten and that’s largely a cultural issue. It doesn’t mean Paul Pogba should exit the scene. He is fighting the scene.
Pogba’s Own Commitment
The media will always make noise. But what about Pogba’s own commitment to his club? His hunger and passion for the international team speak for themselves. Fans want to see the same passion when he puts on the United shirt. But this doesn’t happen. His workrate simply is not the same.
Pogba’s leadership role in France team is also well documented. In the Manchester United squad, Pogba doesn’t play the role of a leader.
The most troublesome piece could be this – may be Pogba doesn’t value United as much his national side, and he has mind set to join another club.ay be h4e is treating United as just a phase in his career and doesn’t feel the need to give 100%.
No matter what the club offers, the passion and drive come from individual players themselves. It comes from within. If Pogba has a commitment issue, he should make it clear to United and leave the club. There’s no point of having someone who doesn’t feel 100% devoted.
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