Paul Pogba has been the latest player to find his name on Chelsea’s radar and the rumours are raging about the prodigy being heavily courted by Blues to find the right balance in the midfield and that Jose Mourinho is willing to meet the £60m price tag set by Juventus.
Pogba has had a great season with Juventus and already has a great statistical tally to back up his performances. Here we are comparing the statistics (per 90 metrics) of the French sensation with Chelsea stars who share his position on the pitch. The stats may not truly justify the ability of the players because of the differing styles of each team.
Paul Pogba (Juventus 13/14)
Pass Completion: 84%
Key Passes: 1.20
Chances Created: 1.41
Assists: 0.21
Goals: 0.21
Tackles Won: 1.85
Tackles Lost: 2.70
Interceptions: 1.06
Ramires (Chelsea 13/14)
Pass Completion: 84%
Key Passes: 1.07
Chances Created: 1.14
Assists: 0.07
Goals: 0.03
Tackles Won: 2.24
Tackles Lost: 3.42
Interceptions: 0.86
Oscar (Chelsea 13/14)
Pass Completion: 83%
Key Passes: 1.94
Chances Created: 2.02
Assists: 0.08
Goals: 0.34
Tackles Won: 2.07
Tackles Lost: 2.19
Interceptions: 0.30
Frank Lampard (Chelsea 13/14)
Pass Completion: 83%
Key Passes: 1.59
Chances Created: 1.75
Assists: 0.16
Goals: 0.32
Tackles Won: 1.80
Tackles Lost: 2.38
Interceptions: 0.74
As it is clear from Squawka stats, Paul Pogba edges ahead of all three stars in various departments consistently barring Oscar’s goal stats and key passes/chances created. The number of tackles the young Frenchman attempts as well as his intercepting of the passes, shows clear ability in the youngster who manages to get these numbers as well as the game-time in team which has many able players capable of playing central.
Look at the comparison here, courtesy of squawka
Do Chelsea require Pogba after buying Fabregas? The answer is a mixed one. Pogba is a very talented all action midfield player, someone who would fit perfectly in the pivot role. His and Matic’s pairing can be devastating to the say the least. But with Cesc Fabregas in the team already, it would surely mean Oscar getting lesser time than usual. The young Brazilian has been playing on the wings for his National team and has been impressive with his crossing and dribbling. Mourinho may look to have Hazard and Oscar sandwiching the striker while Fabregas plays as the advanced playmaker. Either way Pogba adds immense quality to the team as he would definitely play the pivot position.
While Manchester United, two years since losing the French International are still cribbing about Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest mistake, Chelsea have the opportunity and money to land the highly rated midfielder at Stamford Bridge. On the other hand Juventus will be knowing the situation that they face. If not for Chelsea, Real Madrid might definitely come calling for Pogba leaving the answer as to how long can they can hold on to their man despite being immensely successful in the Serie A.
For Chelsea however, it would be a statement of intent from Mourinho, who has failed to win any silverware with the Blues last season.
Final Verdict: Should Chelsea go for Pogba, with a 60m bid?
It is a 50-50 decision. After David Luiz’s mega transfer to PSG, Chelsea have new found money for their own big signings. Pogba’s transfer can look ridiculous now, but it seems that he can complete the team for at least 2-3 seasons more to come, as Chelsea would have a world class player + a solid replacement for each position if their transfer targets are met.