Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba just dropped a bombshell claiming that it is his dream to play for Real Madrid (source – Sky Sports). He said that all players want to play for Real Madrid and one day he too would like the same.
The 27-year-old French midfielder started his youth career at Roissy-en-Brie in 1999 before moving to Torcy after 7 years. Le Havre recruited him in 2007 and he spent the next 2 seasons there.
Interestingly enough, he joined Manchester United’s academy in 2009 and progressed through the youth ranks to appear in 3 senior games. However, he let his contract run down and moved to Juventus on a free transfer.
Alongside some stellar names, Pogba shone the brightest at Juve. He was given full freedom to express himself and in 4 years time, he was seen as one of the best young midfielders in the world. In 178 games for Juve, he scored 34 goals and assisted 4 (source – Transfermarkt).
Manchester United had to swallow humble pie when they re-signed him for a (then) world-record transfer in 2016. So far, Pogba has had a mixed bag at United. Capable of world-class, fans have seen too little of the same Pogba that they saw at Juventus. It has all been bits and pieces as he has struggled with form and injuries.
The midfielder is a stalwart for France with 71 games and 10 goals as he helped them to a FIFA World Cup in 2018.
Real Madrid have a decent squad at this point of time but a lot of their star players are ageing. They do have some fine young players to take over the mantle but it would seem too soon for them to slip into the shoes of these legends in a year’s time.
Real Madrid’s midfield lynchpins Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are 35 and 30 respectively. While Kroos looks like he can pull through for a few more years, Modric needs to be replaced sooner rather than later.
Paul Pogba fits all the criteria that Real Madrid could want in a player to succeed Modric. His outrageous range of passing, a thunderous right foot to launch it into the top corners and above all, winning mentality.
He has won the biggest trophies there are and surely that would benefit Madrid’s young team.
