Whenever someone mentions Paul Pogba, the famous story about his hairstyles and his cheerful appearance has to creep in. Those who are not thrilled to see him always feel the need to say he is spending more time on social media than working on himself. Hopefully, there is no need from me to even say how laughable those claims are and now Paul Pogba made his critics shut their mouths, as he will lead France in the World Cup final.
Paul Pogba is the player that has played in many important finals throughout his career. In 2013, he was captaining France at the U20 FIFA World Cup, where he was their best player. In the final, when it remained goalless after 120 minutes of play, he was first to step up and take a penalty. His famous run-up last for the whole of seven seconds, but he smashed it in goal and after that France never looked back. Just two years later, he featured in a Champions League final against Barcelona.
He Has Reached Them All
His Juventus lost 3-1 to the Spanish side, but it was already a big achievement both for Bianconerri and Pogba himself. He proved to be an important player for his country at the age of 23 when he got to the final of the Euros in France. Just a year later, Pogba won Europa League with Manchester United.
So now, the full circle will close. Pogba will have played in all of the most important finals in football – World Cup and Euros, Champions League and Europa League, while also adding the U20 World Cup. Sure, he lost in two of the more important finals so far, but the point stands – he did all of that at the age of 25.
Now he will be battling for the holy grail. In press conferences leading up to the match against Croatia, he repeated he does not want to be proud. Not yet, at least, as his team has not won anything just yet. His attitude seems to be right, telling everyone that France have one star above their badge, but it is not his star. He did not win it. That shows how ready he is to be one of the leaders in Moscow on Sunday. If France really go on to win it, Pogba will be a world champion. With his performances at the tournament, he definitely deserves that.
Pogba can be the reliable leader United need
Whatever happens at Luzhniki, Pogba has matured during this summer. The way he talks about winning matches seems to be a bit different, more passionate and the way he played in these six matches would be best described by the “team first” mentality. Former Juventus player was often more defensive minded, if that was what his team needed at the time. He knew when to go forward and shake things up.
After the World Cup, whether he will be the champion or not, he needs to translate that mentality at Manchester United. France really need that second trophy, but the Devils need a mature, reliable leader Pogba truly can grow into. It is on him whether he will become that hero. As a world champion, it might just be a little bit easier.
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