Paul Pogba has been hailed as the best attacking midfielder in the world by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of Man United’s epic clash with rivals Liverpool.
The Frenchman was kept on the bench in the first leg at Anfield back in December as the Red Devils were beaten 3-1 by the Reds. It was days after that game Jose Mourinho was sacked before Pogba’s United academy coach Solskjaer, was employed as interim manger.
And now, the Norwegian boss has built the team around him and the midfielder has gone on to score nine goals, six assists in 12 matches, compared to just five goals and four assists in his 20 matches this season under Mourinho.
The 25-year-old has become the heartbeat of Solksjaer team and the United legend claims he is the best player in the world in his position.
“There are different types of midfielders, but in his mould I don’t think there’s anyone near with his physical presence,” said United’s caretaker boss.
“He can score goals, he’s got great close technique, the diving header he scored against Chelsea was fantastic. He did the same against Bournemouth when he ran from the halfway line to get into the box.
“But he can also spray passes when he’s sitting more in midfield. I don’t think that’s his best position, but he can do that as well.” The ex-Cardiff City boss felt it was a no-brainer to unleash Pogba in his best position as an attacking midfielder.
“He’s a top, top player who I’ve always liked ever since I saw him as a kid,” he said.
“He’s a World Cup winner, a leader in dressing room and on the pitch as well. He wants the ball all the time.
“So my idea was to get him playing to the best of his abilities as an attacking midfielder. You saw PSG man mark him, other teams probably will too.
“I don’t know if Liverpool will, but if they do he will have experienced that and it creates space for others.”
Solskjaer has won 11 out of 13 matches after the humiliating defeat to Liverpool and Pogba has been the main man under the era of the Norwegian boss.
And the Old Trafford faithfuls are desperate to avenge the 3-1 defeat when they trade tackles at the Theatre of Dreams, but Solskjaer has told his players to take out the emotion.