Rio Ferdinand has said that France midfielder Paul Pogbawants to prove his doubters wrong and make an impact at this summer’s World Cup.
Pogba scored six goals and assisted 10 others in 27 Premier League appearances this season, but has failed to show consistent development while at Manchester United.
Ferdinand told The Mirror, however, that the World Cup offers the 25-year-old the chance to perform at his best and emulate former French internationals Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane.
“Paul is desperate to announce himself on the world stage,” the former England defender said. “Paul is someone who wants to be known as a great player. When you look at the history in the French national team – with Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane – he wants to be remembered as a player like that.
“But Pogba has to play well. And he has to win – and that’s not easy. There will be pressure because expectations are huge on France. Pogba and [Antoine] Griezmann will be carrying the hopes of their nation on their shoulders – and I would like to see Paul do it.
“He’s a showman and someone who wants to be the centrepiece of what comes out of that team. Now he has the opportunity to do that. There is no doubting Paul’s talent. Anyone who sees him play would be a fool not to see he has immense talent in all areas.”
France face Australia, Peru and Denmark in Group C at this summer’s tournament.