Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has recently been linked with a move to French big-spenders PSG. The potential transfer has surprised many considering Pogba gets regular first-team football at Juventus and is a vital player in their midfield. Having settled into a very talented side - who were crowned Italian champions last season - it would be quite a shock if he decided to leave for pastures new.
There were proposed reasons regarding why Pogba left Manchester United, but the main one could well be that he wanted first-team football. Even at an extremely young age, he looked ready for it, but he wasn’t going to get that at Manchester United. Now, flourishing in his role at Juventus, it’s no real surprise that he is attracting interested from PSG among other top European clubs. Even at 20 years of age, he has already made a significant impact at his current club, and he would be a welcome addition to plenty of clubs around Europe.
The Frenchman has managed 5 goals and 4 assists from 21 appearances in all competitions so far this season, along with an 83% pass accuracy rate. If such a move was actually going to happen, it would most likely occur in the summer, due to Pogba being cup-tied having already featured in the Champions League for Juventus in the group stages this season.
Paul Pogba’s main strengths and attributes include his ability in aerial duels, long shots, through balls, and dribbling when in possession of the ball. These attributes link very nicely with his style of play. The question would be now, where would Pogba fit in at PSG? Surely it’s a question that can be answered? With the futures of Thiago Motta and Blaise Matuidi in doubt due to their contracts running out within the next 6-18 months, and with a number of clubs said to be preparing pre-contract offers for the latter, bringing in Paul Pogba seems to be the most likely option in terms of who PSG are lining up as replacements should both players fail to agree new deals with the French champions. Manager Laurent Blanc has frequently used a three-man midfield, which seems to be serving him rather well, but the future of that now seems very unclear.
Blaise Matuidi seems somewhat an irreplaceable talent for PSG and they would obviously want to see him mature and develop more at the club rather than going elsewhere. While Motta’s leadership, passing, and intercepting skills will be missed should he leave, by signing Paul Pogba, PSG would then have a midfield of Matuidi, Pogba, and Veratti. With all three players still currently of a young age, the club, and more importantly Laurent Blanc, would have the opportunity of playing a three-man midfield that includes three fantastic future prospects for their clubs and countries respectively. But should Motta decide to stay and the club still sign Pogba, then Blanc would gradually be able to blood him into the squad and develop him so he is able to replace Motta on a long-term basis, and eventually form the midfield trio of Veratti-Pogba-Matuidi.
Whilst PSG would like this trio to flourish and develop together, it is still evident that some extra maturing is needed from all three players, with them being as young as they are. But there is so much potential in these three players and the ability they all have is something quite special. The prospect of all three of them playing together for years to come is brilliant.
But, only Paul Pogba himself will know what his next move is and what the right decision will be for him in terms of his own future as an individual. If he chooses to stay at Juventus, then it could be more beneficial for him as he is a regular in Antonio Conte’s sides’ week in, week out. But on the flip side, there is no doubt that Pogba has everything that PSG are looking for in a central midfielder for the future, and when thinking about long-term options for the club, Pogba certainly represents the kind of player they want in midfield.
The next few weeks, maybe even months, will certainly be interesting ones for Pogba, Juventus, and PSG. Will they or won’t they make an offer for the French starlet? Only time will tell, but there’s no doubting his potential, and PSG seem firmly interested in making him a part of their midfield.
Written by Lauren Jenks