[Infra-red]

He played well today. Mbappe though - deary me, that kid is absolutely electric. One of the best individual performances of the tournament so far.

 

[kouroux]

Lingard is always finding space while Lukaku is always dropping deep or drifting wide. KDB doesn't have a problem finding him?
Paul also has a license to get forward that he doesn't have for France. He's playing a different game, he's one of the players that's supposed to be on the move!

Lukaku plays differently for Belgique

 

[harms]

One of the best individual performances of the tournament so far.

I'd argue that it's already one of the WC classic performances. If they were to win it, it'll be considered even better in historical context. Shades of Pele-1958 or Ronaldo-1998.

edit: probably not for Pogba's thread. So happy for Pogba though — that was a sheer masterclass by him as well.

 

[Greck]

He isn't acting a primadona after getting dispossessed, isn't ballwatching or losing runners and is making efforts to win the ball. Hope that's the last we'll see of those bad habits

 

[Andersons Dietician]

As good as his performance was today still feel like there is more to come from him. Showed his power today as well as his eye for a pass. That’s the Pogba we want to see more of.

 

[roonster09]

As good as his performance was today still feel like there is more to come from him. Showed his power today as well as his eye for a pass. That’s the Pogba we want to see more of.

It's a very restricted role. He played in a zone and didn't even make a run to box even once. Think it's tactical.

 

[TMDaines]

Just seen him doing in an interview in fluent Spanish. Very impressive. How many languages does he speak and where/when did he pick up the Spanish? What a guy.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Decent game today as the functional brain in the midfield but neither Modric nor Zidane, so he is enormously wasted potential there. For what he was at Juve, he should play in the Matuidi role instead to be a natural.

Possibly, but then there's no one with his passing ability in the middle.

If they had a player like Kroos, Thiago, Modric, etc, then Pogba on the left would be ideal.

He had that in Pirlo at Juventus. Hasnt quite got the same at France and United. Maybe that's why we're linked with Kroos.

We've been playing a 4222 quite a bit, with Matic and Herrera deep. Unfortunately, niether of these have the passing range required to play deeper role.

One of Matic or Herrera is fine, but two means you have little creativity. It would be the same if Matuidi partnered Kante.

I think Jose will continue to play Pogba as a left attacking midfielder next season, with Matic and Fred deeper.

Fred, whilst no Modric, has the ability to play in between the lines, and would hopefully quicken up our approach play.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

It's a very restricted role. He played in a zone and didn't even make a run to box even once. Think it's tactical.

It was tactical, but it showed that he can do it.

Against Spurs, where we lost 2 nil, Pogba often got caught out of position.

Today, on the other hand, he was a lot more disciplined and very rarely got ahead of the ball, which meant France were not susceptible counters.

 

[harms]

Just seen him doing in an interview in fluent Spanish. Very impressive. How many languages does he speak and where/when did he pick up the Spanish? What a guy.

To be fair when you are already fluent in French and Italian it's not that hard to learn Spanish. Still impressive though

 

[Jazz]

Played very well today. Pundits couldn't slate him for a change. Hope he keeps it up. Will do his confidence a world of good.

 

[Beachryan]

A few moments in that game that just highlight why expectations on him are so high. Has such an array of attributes - technique, vision, pure physicality and underrated pace - but can't quite elevate himself to be one of the very best in his position. Still, relatively mature from him, really hope he comes back with something to prove this season.

 

[ivaldo]

He’s been one of the best players this tournament. Really influential for France.

 

[TMDaines]

To be fair when you are already fluent in French and Italian it's not that hard to learn Spanish. Still impressive though

Nope, true. But considering he’s never lived in Spain, it’s pretty impressive.

 

[Coxy]

He’s been one of the best players this tournament. Really influential for France.

Only seen this 1 game (with him) but he was great - nice to see

 

[Bepi]

Possibly, but then there's no one with his passing ability in the middle.

If they had a player like Kroos, Thiago, Modric, etc, then Pogba on the left would be ideal.

He had that in Pirlo at Juventus. Hasnt quite got the same at France and United. Maybe that's why we're linked with Kroos.

We've been playing a 4222 quite a bit, with Matic and Herrera deep. Unfortunately, niether of these have the passing range required to play deeper role.

One of Matic or Herrera is fine, but two means you have little creativity. It would be the same if Matuidi partnered Kante.

I think Jose will continue to play Pogba as a left attacking midfielder next season, with Matic and Fred deeper.

Fred, whilst no Modric, has the ability to play in between the lines, and would hopefully quicken up our approach play.

Fair enough. He has been so underwhelming and infuriating at United that a decent but low-gear performance is a relief, hopefully the signal of maturity: less style, more substance.

 

[SirAF]

He’s been one of the best players this tournament. Really influential for France.

Absolutely. It’s hard.. I want him to have a good World Cup as a platform for next season, but I also want him rested and ready for pre-season..

 

[KM]

Fair enough. He has been so underwhelming and infuriating at United that a decent but low-gear performance is a relief, hopefully the signal of maturity: less style, more substance.

I'd disagree with that and I think most of the United fans would do too.

 

[meamth]

Nothing special, but very influential.

Almost all the goals started from his magnificent passing. Make us proud Pogba, you don't need to score goals to show us.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

I'd disagree with that and I think most of the United fans would do too.

Not quite underwhelming, but he has been infuriating, at times.

 

[EyeInTheSky]

Be somewhat amusing if he won the WC considering the "we will never win the bla blah with Pogba in the side".

 

[Canagel]

I have noticed Pogba is becoming more of a leader now. He seems to be maturing very quickly in this world Cup and is playing as part of a team instead of doing it all on his own. When you're team has so many threats upfront it's easier for a midfielder to shine. Kroos and Modric wouldn't play like they do if they didn't have Ronaldo, Benzema etc. Xavi and Iniesta wouldn't have played as well if they didn't have Messi and so on. I know they were the same for Spain but that team still had quality upfront with David Villa and others.

Also a sign that Pogba is more relaxed and playing well is that he isn't resorting to speculative efforts from distance which usually happens when he is frustrated or doesn't have many options on the ball. Today i saw someone who was relaxed and knew the ball would keep coming and there would be more chances ahead. Long may it continue.

 

[Terminator]

His passing from deep was a joy to watch. The ball from the quick freekick from one end of the field to the other to Mbappe was crazy good.

 

[Vato]

Just seen him doing in an interview in fluent Spanish. Very impressive. How many languages does he speak and where/when did he pick up the Spanish? What a guy.

Head's in Madrid.

Has a Spanish gf apparently

 

[Vato]

 

[ZenMaster Coltrane]

I have noticed Pogba is becoming more of a leader now. He seems to be maturing very quickly in this world Cup and is playing as part of a team instead of doing it all on his own. When you're team has so many threats upfront it's easier for a midfielder to shine. Kroos and Modric wouldn't play like they do if they didn't have Ronaldo, Benzema etc. Xavi and Iniesta wouldn't have played as well if they didn't have Messi and so on. I know they were the same for Spain but that team still had quality upfront with David Villa and others.

Also a sign that Pogba is more relaxed and playing well is that he isn't resorting to speculative efforts from distance which usually happens when he is frustrated or doesn't have many options on the ball. Today i saw someone who was relaxed and knew the ball would keep coming and there would be more chances ahead. Long may it continue.

99% of his detractors on here conveniently ignore this. Like any high skill player, he can still improve in a lot of areas but anyone can look pedestrian when you play in a system that depends entirely on your individual brilliance, where everyone defers to you. Great midfields are the foundation for great teams. And one top level player does not guarantee a great midfield. Everything needs to be complimentary.

 

[Inter Yer Nan]

Watched the game with people that despise Pogba and hate United and they were slating him the whole game but felt he was very good.

 

[Vato]

Watched the game with people that despise Pogba and hate United and they were slating him the whole game but felt he was very good.

He absolutely bossed that game. One of the best I've seen from him so far.

 

[EyeInTheSky]

It is very timely that the 2 players who are considered among the greatest of all time yet even they don't get the best out of themselves 100% of the time due to other factors like the players around and in front of them. I am far more confident with the new look midfield next season and with more cohesion up front and some actual options out wide be it fullbacks or a new RW then he will have the options he needs to display his full array of skills rather than always being the one that has to carry the ball or only having one option to pass to on the left who even the most mediocre of opposition managers can use to their advantage by crowding them out tactically.

 

[IrishRedDevil]

Watched the game with people that despise Pogba and hate United and they were slating him the whole game but felt he was very good.

Having that much hate must be exhausting. Sad petty people like this will never give him credit, even when he has a good game, all because he is a United player. I bet they loved him when he was at Juve, though.

 

[EyeInTheSky]

He absolutely bossed that game. One of the best I've seen from him so far.

Not sure about that mate. I have seen him play better. Not saying he was bad, did 1 stupid unnecessary thing that lost him the ball in CM and a couple of poor balls over the top but he did some very good drives from his own half deep into the oppo half during some pivotal moments in the game.

 

[Sentient Meat]

It's probably been said several times upthread... but I like him so much better without the goofy blonde streak in his hair.

 

[Isotope]

He has a big chance winning this world cup. A consistent display like 2nd half against Argentina, he'll be in the Team of the Tournament.

 

[El Zoido]

He’s had a great tournament so far. Hopefully he starts getting the credit he deserves.

 

[Theodore]

Just seen him doing in an interview in fluent Spanish. Very impressive. How many languages does he speak and where/when did he pick up the Spanish? What a guy.

Probably picked them up to join Real Madrid.

That doesn't answer your question though, I'm aware.

 

[Bobski]

Standard Utd performance? Bollocks.

Engaged throughout, no self indulgence, committed to his defensive assignment, prepared to sacrifice his game for the needs of the team, played quick and decisively. I doubt even the most ardent Pogba critic on here does not appreciate his raw ability but the maturity and leadership in his game today was what we have all wanted from him. Looked the player we hoped Utd were buying, not the youtube highlights guy but a serious player.

 

[RedStarUnited]

It was tactical, but it showed that he can do it.

Against Spurs, where we lost 2 nil, Pogba often got caught out of position.

Today, on the other hand, he was a lot more disciplined and very rarely got ahead of the ball, which meant France were not susceptible counters.

In this France team he has 2 players who's roles are to defend and nothing else - Matuidi and Kante. That was not the case with us at Spurs.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

In this France team he has 2 players who's roles are to defend and nothing else - Matuidi and Kante. That was not the case with us at Spurs.

True, but we didn't have that against Liverpool and looked solid because we had Matic and McTominay who sat in front of the back four.

We saw that from Pogba and Kante today.

 

[breakout67]

He's been one of France's best players this tournament. If France go far he has a chance of winning the golden ball. He's been really good.

 

[El-Manos]

Should he be included in team of the tournament so far?