Player Focus: Paul Pogba living up to his potential

Manchester United fans must still be reeling from the departure of Paul Pogba last summer. The Frenchman exited Old Trafford to sign for Juventus and has, as many expected, shown clear indications that he possesses the ability to live up to the potential he exhibited as a youngster.

In 27 league appearances last season, 18 of which were starts, Pogba earned an average WhoScored.com rating of 7.38, with his 5 goals, 1 of which was a splendid long range effort against Udinese, helping Juventus to their 29th Serie A title as a result. His displays in the middle of the park, on the back of a transfer window that saw only Marouane Fellaini sign for United, have left supporters wondering what could have been.

The 20-year-old has churned out a number of impressive performances for La Vecchia Signora since moving to Italy, encapsulated in his 4 man of the match awards last term. Pogba has since followed this up with a further 2 match winning displays, during which the France international has picked up 2 assists and a goal, not to mention his strike in the 4-0 Supercoppa Italiana win over Lazio in August.

As a result his average rating this term currently sits at 7.8, the highest of every Juventus player, with Pogba evidently excelling on a consistent basis in the midfield. After 7 Serie A games this term, the youngster is averaging an impressive 3.9 tackles per game; only Chilean Arturo Vidal (4.1) is making more for the defending Serie A champions.

This facet of his game would certainly have assisted a United midfield that has appeared particularly lightweight this term, regardless of the capture of Fellaini. More pertinently, this figure is a notable mark up on the 2.5 per encounter from last season, highlighting how Pogba is developing the rougher side of his game, although this may be down to Juventus’ somewhat lackadaisical start to the campaign.

While Antonio Conte’s side is 1 of only 3 teams currently unbeaten in Italy’s top tier this season, many believe their performances have dipped in quality compared to last term. This ideology is perhaps reinforced by the fact that Pogba is being forced to win possession in the midfield third 3.6 times per game, a markup on the 2.9 times per league encounter from the previous campaign.