Pogba has more in his locker
Raúl welcomed our very own Marco Ruiz in New York, both courteously and graciously, and spoke with him about a lot of things. This included his vision for football, Real Madrid, the past and the future. In a complete reflection he included several names that meant a lot, and still mean a lot, to Madrid. Raúl doesn’t speak often, because he’s discreet, but when he does talk it’s because he has something to say. He speaks the way he used to play football: directly, effectively, simply, with no frills, no pretenses. It’s good to listen to him, even if only sporadically, as we occasionally need a break from the hubbub of football.
I took note of what he said about Pogba, not because it is the most important thing (there will be time to discuss so many of the other aspects) but due to the general disappointment of the player at the European Championships. "Any team would want Pogba. He has quality and the physical attributes for defensive balance." I see it the same way. He is a good player, although not exquisite, but has sufficient strength and will sacrifice himself to help out in all areas. He won’t ever leave you at a disadvantage at the back, he’ll link up going forward, he has a good shot and is intimidating in the air while having sound ball control which will improve as he gets older. He's still young.
Another thing has been his role in the Euros, one which we have peered into through the prism of so many millions of euros that have been offered for him by Mourinho (who seems to have finally got his man) and Madrid. And we've seen him in a team that, other than Griezmann, all seem to be much of the same, and with Deschamps playing with his position from one game to another. The worst of this was in the final game, stationed to hold centrally, where his physique was wasted. But this is a player who would have improved Madrid giving them, in the words of Raúl, defensive balance, as well as a serious contribution to the attack.