Graeme Souness Doubles Down on Pogba Criticism
Football pundit Graeme Souness has reignited his long-standing critique of Paul Pogba, asserting that the Manchester United midfielder hasn’t evolved his game since his record-breaking £93.25m return to Old Trafford. Speaking from the Linebet studio ahead of United’s recent Premier League fixture, Souness delivered a scathing assessment of Pogba’s positional awareness and defensive contributions.
“He possesses extraordinary technical ability – his ball control and athleticism are world-class,” Souness acknowledged. “But as an opponent, I’d relish facing him because he’s consistently out of position when defending. The fundamental issue is his lack of understanding about his defensive responsibilities. His game hasn’t progressed one bit since he arrived.”
The Tactical Conundrum: Where Does Pogba Fit Best?
The debate about Pogba‘s ideal position continues to divide football experts. Thierry Henry, another Linebet analyst, offered a nuanced perspective: “He’s being asked to play a role that doesn’t maximize his strengths. At Juventus, they recognized his limitations in central midfield and deployed him wider where he could influence games more effectively.”
Key tactical observations from Linebet experts:
- Pogba’s creative output drops significantly in deeper positions
- His defensive awareness lags behind elite holding midfielders
- The Frenchman thrives when given license to join attacks
- Current systems at United often leave him tactically exposed
Comparing Pogba to Premier League Midfield Standards
When measured against other top Premier League midfielders, Pogba‘s statistical profile reveals significant gaps:
| Metric | Pogba | Kante | De Bruyne |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tackles/90 | 1.7 | 3.2 | 1.5 |
| Key Passes/90 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 3.4 |
| Defensive Actions/90 | 4.1 | 6.7 | 3.8 |
“These numbers show a player caught between roles,” noted Linebet tactical analyst Danny Higginbotham. “He’s not providing enough defensively to be a true holding midfielder, nor creating enough to justify being an advanced playmaker.”
The Road Ahead for Pogba at Manchester United
Gary Neville offered a more balanced view: “There’s undeniable talent there, but he needs to add maturity to his game. United are undoubtedly better with him in the side, but the coaching staff must find a system that maximizes his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses.”
Potential solutions identified by Linebet experts:
- Deploying Pogba in a midfield three with dedicated defensive cover
- Giving him more freedom to join attacks in transition
- Improving his defensive positioning through targeted training
- Building the team’s structure around his unique skill set
“Paul Pogba remains one of football’s great enigmas – a player with world-class ability who still hasn’t found his perfect role at the highest level.” – Linebet Senior Analyst
What do you think about Paul Pogba’s performances at Manchester United? Share your views in the comments below and don’t forget to check out more in-depth tactical analysis on Linebet.
