We saw the best and worst of Paul Pogba in last night’s thrilling Euro 2020 game against Switzerland in the round of 16.
France conceded an early goal but fought back thanks to two quick-fire goals from Karim Benzema before the hour mark.
It was a period of the game which was completely dominated by Didier Deschamps’ side.
Manchester United midfielder Pogba was on song yet again, driving his team forward and creating opportunities to score.
Some of his passes were just outrageous, reminding everyone of his most enjoyable days at Juventus.
He finished the game with 101 touches, 92% pass accuracy and five successful take-ons.
The best moment of the game came when he scored a belter of a goal to double France’s lead.
He was offered acres of space and he made it count by curling a sumptuous effort into the top corner.
With only 25 minutes left in the game, it looked like France would be facing Spain in the last eight.
However, the energetic Switzerland team had other ideas.
When Vladimir Petkovic’s side scored the second goal in the 81st minute, all France required was to stay calm and composed.
In the final minute, Pogba lost possession of the ball in the middle of the park which allowed Granit Xhaka to make a splendid defence-splitting pass to Mario Gavranovic.
Gavranovic kept his cool and fired the ball past Hugo Lloris and force the game into extra time.
Had Pogba been more cautious with his play during the final minutes, France may have managed to win the game in normal time.
United legend Roy Keane voiced his frustration over Pogba’s display.
He applauded the astonishing goal from France’s number six but also highlighted his lack of discipline defensively.
Speaking on ITV (as quoted by Manchester Evening News), he said: “No doubt it would be frustrating.
“But this is all part of Paul’s character that people love to see and it’s great.
“But then I’d be looking at the goal they conceded in injury time when he was sloppy in midfield, that’s the bit I’d be really critical.
“It seems harsh because he’s done some brilliant stuff going forward today, there’s no doubt in Paul’s quality, it’s just the other side, maybe his maturity.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has faced similar issues with the 2018 World Cup winner.
Eventually, he asked Pogba to operate from the flanks so that his side can have more protection behind.
The midfielder has great vision and is a sensational distributor of the ball.
However, he often fails to track the runs of the opposition and make some very risky decisions that should have been avoided.
Keane added: “United have had these problems. Can he play in a two midfield? He probably can’t, he hasn’t got the discipline.
“Even today he leaves you frustrated, even with his brilliant quality going forward he lacks that discipline defensively.
“The top players do it week in and week out and Paul doesn’t quite do it.
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