France skipper Hugo Lloris has described teammate Paul Pogba as a “true leader” after accumulating years of experience with Juventus and Manchester United.
The 25-year-old had to contend with the label of being the world’s most expensive player on his return to Old Trafford in 2016, having set the Red Devils back £89m to sign from Juve.
Pogba was left out of United’s starting lineup for a period of last season, but he has looked close to his best at this summer’s World Cup and was particularly impressive in a slightly more advanced midfield position against Argentina last time out.
Lloris believes that the United academy product’s ability is now starting to be truly recognised on the world stage, telling reporters: “I think he’s maturing, he’s growing. He’s accumulating experience, be it with Manchester United, Juventus – now he’s lining up more seasons, more caps.
“He’s starting to grow in the locker room also and that is a good thing because he’s a true leader. He’s a very ambitious player. We all know he’s extremely talented and he has a lot to offer the team and his teammates.
“I think that these big competitions are also good to reveal the talent of players and I’m sure it’s going to be the case for Paul.”
France face Uruguay in the first of the World Cup quarter-finals in Nizhny Novgorod on Friday afternoon.