Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said that his former Manchester United teammate Paul Pogba silenced his critics with his performance at the 2018 Russia World Cup.
France beat Croatia 4-2 in Russia on Sunday to clinch their second World Cup title, with Didier Deschamps’ men looking solid throughout their campaign. Pogba was a key figure in midfield and really stepped up a level in the knockout phase. Although Pogba’s imaginative passing and technical ability were frequently shown, he also provided evidence of a combative side which has rarely been associated with him during his time at Old Trafford. Ibrahimovic is adamant Pogba’s performances and trophy successes prove his quality.
“I played with him for two years and people like to give their opinion, which they have the right to do,” Ibrahimovic told reporters. “They judge but I think the result speaks for itself. You don’t need to answer by your mouth, you can answer by your feet, and do what you are good at. That is the way it is supposed to be and the way I like to do it. He is young. He won the World Cup, he was in the Champions League final [when at Juventus], the Europa League final [with United], the Euro 2016 final [with France] – and he won many titles at Juventus.
“What more is there to say? Just enjoy the games and I know he will become better.”
Pogba operates primarily as a central midfielder, but can also be deployed as an attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder, and deep-lying playmaker.
Born in Lagny-sur-Marne, Pogba showed much promise as a youngster, flourishing as a member of local youth teams. He eventually joined the youth team of Ligue 1 side Le Havre, before a protracted transfer brought him to Manchester United in 2009. After beginning his senior career with Manchester United two years later, limited appearances persuaded him to depart to join Italian side Juventus on a free transfer in 2012, where he helped the club to four consecutive Serie A titles, as well as two Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana titles. During his time in Italy, Pogba further established himself as one of the most promising young players in the world, and received the Golden Boy award in 2013, followed by the Bravo Award in 2014. In 2016, Pogba was named to the 2015 UEFA Team of the Year, as well as the 2015 FIFA FIFPro World XI, after helping Juventus to the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final, their first in 12 years.
Pogba’s performances at Juventus allowed him to return to Manchester United in 2016 for a then-world record transfer fee of €105 million (£89.3 million). The fee paid for him remains the highest paid by an English club.[6] In his first season back, he won the League Cup and the Europa League.
Internationally, he captained France to victory at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup and took home the award for the Best Player for his performances during the tournament. He made his debut for the senior team a year later, and featured prominently at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he was awarded the Best Young Player Award for his performances. He later represented his nation at UEFA Euro 2016 on home soil, where he finished as a runner-up, before winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup after scoring in the final.
Primarily a central midfielder, although he is also capable of playing on the left, in a holding role, or even as an attacking midfielder, Pogba has been described by his club Manchester United as a “powerful, skilful, and creative” player who has “an eye for goal and a penchant for the spectacular.” In Italy, he gained the nicknames Il Polpo Paul (“Paul the Octopus”) for his long legs that look like tentacles during tackling or running and “Pogboom” for his explosive playing style and energy on the pitch. A large, quick, hard-working and physically strong player, he excels in the air, and is also known for his stamina, as well as his powerful and accurate striking ability from distance; he has also drawn praise for his finesse, technique, flair, and dribbling skills. His characteristics and playing role in midfield have led him to be compared with former France international Patrick Vieira.