05 Apr 2018 15:11:00
I've not been to Old Trafford in a while as I don't live in the country anymore. But I was back last weekend for the game against Swansea and noticed a few things that one might not notice watching on tv.
Firstly, you just don't realize how good Lukaku is until you see his off the ball movement. How silly do those who said he wasn't intelligent enough look now? He would score so many more if our midfielders would pick out his runs well.
Secondly, Jesse Lingard and Sanchez's effort and energy on the pitch is unreal. They give their 110% and chase the player down towards our own half if they lose the ball.
Contrast to that Pogba's effort was constantly lacking. For someone who plays in central midfield the busiest area of the pitch his workrate was quite shocking. He just walks around the pitch and gets caught ball watching. Going forward he lacks the brains to play the right pass and struggles to understand when to keep possession and see how the game could develop 2-3 passes further ahead like a top CM should. He constantly tries for the Hollywood ball and to be flashy and too smart. Also the ease with which he can be pressed into losing possession and we will get punished against the top sides playing someone like him in CM. He looked our weakest link all game.
Matic, alongwith Lukaku is the reason we've improved from 6th to 2nd. Top player and calm on the ball and even better positioning without it. Has the personality, brains and character Pogba lacks.
Lastly, after watching Ashley Young's effort on the pitch, I now completely understand why Jose picks him over Shaw.
Also it was very clear that we sit deeper because Jose doesn't trust our center backs without Bailly in the team.
05 Apr 2018 17:00:47
Top post Redfaith. Pogba just looks too slow to me or he just doesn't bother.
05 Apr 2018 17:53:54
Thats what i've been saying for a while now, he lacks effort. that's why even young Mctommy looks better than him with half or even less the talent pogba has. I even see his lack of effort on the french national team, kante plays at a different level than pogba and anybody else who plays central mid. You can see the big difference kante does for france when you put lazy mids around him.
05 Apr 2018 22:27:26
Spot on Redfaith.
I just feel that Pogba has had too much too young, like so many footballers nowadays.
Think they forget the r aeons why it is that they are famous and so well paid.
There is no excuse about not putting in the effort on the pitch.
Pogba has great talent but currently little effort and motivation. He should be a box to box CM who dominates the midfield and runs games. He also had the luxury of a great player alongside him in Matic who can cover when he surges forward.
Think he wants out deep down.
05 Apr 2018 22:28:16
Excellent post Redfaith - a number of valid points. Matic is such a class player; everything goes through him. Best buy!
06 Apr 2018 08:35:39
Good post Redfaith. I have been shocked by the lack of effort pogba displays. And I've been critical of his off field activities and the need to post on Twitter every 3 seconds, or the change of hairstyle every day, when he should be concentrating on his football and his fitness and work rate. How many flashy footballers do you see make it to the top. Ronaldo is the only exception and he has a clean image. Ronaldo also has priorities in the right place. He works and trains and plays very intensely and the off field comes second.
I'll be delighted to sell pogba and replace him with Isco and veratti or Kroos.