By Odiko Godwin
Paul Pogba shun like a million stars at the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup for France, after enduring a torrid 2017/2018 football season for Manchester United under Jose Mourinho. So, how can Jose Mourinho help Pogba replicate his World Cup form in the colours of Manchester United?..
Jose Mourinho has to stop the public criticism of Paul Pogba
It's always going to be difficult for an individual to thrive in a hostile environment - Jose Mourinho needs to put an arm around Pogba the more and stop criticizing the French star at any given opportunity.
Mourinho must make the environment conducive for Pogba to play his football.
When asked how he can help Pogba recreate World Cup form for United, Mourinho instead responded by saying, ''it's not about us getting the best out of him, it's about him giving the best he has to give''. That response alone shows Jose Mourinho isn't ready to put in any effort to ensure he helps the 25-year-old flourish at Manchester United, instead, it's putting more pressure on Paul Pogba to find a way to help himself recreate his World Cup form with Manchester Unite. And that also explains why the rumors about Pogba wanting to leave United just keeps escalating as we approach August 9 transfer deadline day.
We have already witnessed how Paul Pogba struggled to cope with the pressure of playing for Manchester United in his first season as the world's most expensive player before the record was shattered by Neymar's 222m euros move to PSG. He will be looking to avoid another turbulent season trying to replicate his World Cup form for Manchester United all by himself.
Going into the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia, Pogba, coming from a tempestuous season for Manchester United had some difficult games in the friendly matches he played for France, but Didier Deschamps was quick to eulogize his midfielder and gave positive responses any time questions on Pogba's bad games were asked of him. And the midfielder repaid him with an excellent showing at the World Cup.
Mourinho must borrow a leaf from that and stop all the negative comments about Paul Pogba if he wants to see the French star excel at United this season.
Pogba must be given a free role at Manchester United
Having examined extensively how Pogba was able to flourish in France midfield at the World Cup, I am saying Pogba must be allowed the free role in Manchester United's midfield.
In all of France matches at the World Cup (bar the game v Denmark where Pogba was rested), I was able to clearly see how good Paul Pogba is when allowed to play his game without the handbrakes on.
The presence of Ngolo Kante in that midfield, allowed Paul Pogba the courage, effrontery and freedom to dictate play from midfield excellently without having to be cautious of the defensive duties or burdened with them.
France utilized two formations at the mundial - starting the tournament against Australia in a 4-3-3 set-up. With the midfield comprising of Tolisso to the right, Kante deep middle and Pogba to the left. That system allowed Pogba the freedom to roam around the pitch with confidence, instigating attacks upon attacks - knowing fully well he has Kante and Tolisso to help cover for any of his mishaps.
That resulted in Pogba laying the pass on for Griezmann to run into before the latter was impeded in the box and the resultant penalty kick was converted to put France in front. Again, Pogba benefitted from the freedom in midfield and was able to press high up the pitch to score the second goal for France that was also the winning goal to gift France all three points in their opening fixture.
Against Peru in the second game, Didier Deschamps utilized the same 4-3-3, but replaced Tolisso with Matuidi in the midfield three, and Paul Pogba once again flourished - setting up Giroud in the box with a fine pass that led to Mbappe scoring the only goal in the game; profiting from the inability of the goalkeeper to stop the initial shot from Giroud - from Pogba's pass.
Didier Deschamp decided to switch to a 4-2-3-1 in the Round-of-16 fixture against Argentina, playing Kante and Pogba in his two-man midfield; but Kante was playing deeper and was doing most of the dirty jobs - allowing Pogba roam around as usual with confidence and masterminding attacking moves. Though, Matuidi was also helping out in midfield from the left wing - making it a three-man midfield when they were defending.
France continued in that system to the final match against Croatia, where Pogba didn't only score, but was voted the Man of the Match in the final of the FIFA World Cup for his outstanding performance in the game.
With that said, I will love to see José Mourinho hand Pogba a free role in Manchester United's midfield; without having to bother the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner with too much defensive duties.
Regardless of the system José Mourinho chooses to adopt, be it a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, Pogba can flourish in any as he has shown with France at the World Cup. But he must be allowed the freedom to express himself without fear or restraint.
And one player in United's rank that can help Pogba shine in midfield is Ander Herrera. He has some similarities with Ngolo Kante, in the sense that the Spaniard can also intercept opposing attacks very well, rugged and he is very mobile (going about those defensive duties) like Kante.
Ander Herrera's mobility isn't just a plus for him defensive wise, but can also help open up spaces with his movement in midfield to allow Pogba options which enhances creativity. Unlike Nemanja Matic who isn't the fastest of defensive midfielders, and most times slows down United's attack and kills creativity with his laggard movements.
United have also been helped with the purchase of Fred. The Brazilian is the ideal midfielder to compliment Pogba and Herrera in midfield if José Mourinho decides to go with a three-man midfield.
I can't even imagine Manchester United letting Pogba go after a splendid World Cup with France. Because that will be the biggest mistake ever. But if José Mourinho wants to see his man recreate World Cup form for United this season, then he must afford the former Juventus man the conducive and enabling environment to function and not go about criticizing his midfield linchpin with reckless abandon. And who says he can't even hand Pogba the captain's armband to further show his trust and believe in the World Cup winner! After all, Pogba has shown with France (especially in that dressing room video where he was urging and motivating his France teammates just before the final against Croatia) that he is not only a talented midfielder, but has all the qualities of a good leader in the absence of Michael Carrick.
It's not really about Paul Pogba giving the best he has to give, it's actually all about José Mourinho getting the best out of the midfield maestro.
Follow and interact with me on twitter by clicking on my handle - @OdikoGodwin
José Mourinho obviously wants the best for Pogba otherwise he won't have gone for him. I'm actually more disappointed in Pogba because he's so limited in his abilities despite his talent and physical features. Why can't he play DM, box to box, what is the usefulness of his height?
ReplyDeleteAs I've Jose Mourinho wants the best for him and thanks to the arrival of Fred, I'm very sure we'll see the best of Pogba.
Pogba for me must improve. He should have be able to play multiple roles and positions conveniently otherwise being one-sided wil put a big dent on his career.
But he also showed his defensive side with France at the WC severally. The thing is, make the environment friendly for him to thrive and he will give you his all
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