Paul Pogba’s move to Real Madrid looks like it could finally be back on, according to AS.
The 27-year-old midfielder’s second Manchester United career has been an underwhelming one, to say the least.
After a world-record move from Juventus, Pogba was expected to be United’s talisman under Jose Mourinho. Now, however, he looks a shadow of the player who set the world alight in Turin.
However, he is still one of the most gifted players in the game. His performances for France in recent years including at the 2018 FIFA World Cup have shown his quality is still there.
Now with rumours of his price tag dropping to just £53 million, Madrid have reportedly taken notice. Their primary midfield target was supposedly Rennes’ golden boy Eduardo Camavinga. However, according to AS, the Spanish giants are now eyeing Pogba after a jump in Camavinga’s reported price.
The question is if Pogba can make a move to the Bernabeu any more successful than his one to Manchester. At Juventus and with the French national team, he had teams set up to allow him to express himself.
In Turin, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal, two technically gifted workhorses dominated the centre of midfield.
Meanwhile with France, he nominally operates as part of a midfield two. Blaise Matuidi, a defensive midfielder by trade starts on the left for the national team and is tasked with covering Pogba on his forays forward.
Pogba likes to start off on the left side of the midfield, opening the pitch up to his trademark right-footed passing range.
So would it wok at Madrid? It just might. Luka Modric is one of the great midfielders of the 21st century and a Balon d’Or winner, but father time catches up with us all. Now 35, Real will be looking at replacing the Croatian’s playmaking ability from deep and Pogba is one of the few who may be able to match him.
Over the 2019/20 season, Pogba had an average pass success of 85.8% from 76 passes played per 90. Modric was slightly better, with 86.5%, however, he attempted 10 fewer passes per 90. He’d also have limited defensive responsibility if played with Valverde and Casemiro.
With those two acting as the engine in midfield, Pogba would have the freedom to move up the pitch where he can cause damage.
Of course, there’s still a way to go for this move to happen. However, it’s hard to see the move not working out if indeed it does go ahead.
