Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is yet to show that
he is ‘anywhere near’ the level expected of the world’s most expensive
footballer, according to Graeme Souness.
Jose Mourinho broke the bank to bring the France international
back to Old Trafford over the summer – with £89 million required to tempt
Juventus into parting with a player they picked up at the end of his initial
Red Devils contract in 2012.
Pogba blossomed into one of the world’s top talents during
his time in Turin, with his efforts rewarded with numerous major honours –
including four Serie A titles – and a senior international breakthrough with
France.
He is, however, yet to scale such heights back in England,
with Souness among those to suggest that the 23-year-old’s form is mirroring
that of his inconsistent club.
Ahead of United’s trip to Anfield on Monday night, the
ex-Liverpool man told Sky Sports News: “He may eventually be 100 million pounds
worth, but right now I don’t see him anywhere near that. I see a young man
who’s struggling to find his best position and best form in a team that’s
struggling to find their best form.”
Souness admits to being an admirer of Pogba’s undoubted
ability, but feels he still has a lot to learn before he can be considered a
truly world-class performer.
He added: “I think you’ve got to maximise his athleticism.
“He looks like a wonderful athlete, someone that could do
that box-to-box thing for a full 90 minutes at the same pace and never dip from
it.
“I see his problem – he’s got the technique, he drops a
shoulder he throws a leg over the ball – I don’t see him having a great
understanding of the game.”
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