Former Manchester United Man – France’s Great Hope Now

France have regularly had some exceptional talents coming through their youth teams. Some of them reached their potential and have gone on to become great players, where as some haven’t lived up to expectations.  The most recent batch of U20 internationals – the one which won the U20 World Cup in 2012 left a huge impression on the neutrals let alone the French faithful.

Florian Thauvin, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Jean-Christophe Bahebeck, Lucas Digne and many others put in splendid performances over the course of the tournament allowing the world to take notice of their talent. The one who led this lot showed great promise and was arguably the most talented of all – Paul Pogba.

Pogba captained this French U20 team to victory at the World Cup. Since then his career has gone from strength to strength. He was soon called up to the senior national team. As he was young, the manager didn’t need any convincing to give Pogba the opportunity to play for the French senior team. It seemed inevitable after his magnificent display at the U20 World Cup.

Pogba made a move to Juventus on a free transfer during the summer of 2012 after learning that Manchester United didn’t really count him in their current or future plans. From that very day, Manchester United have had nothing but a huge cloud of regret looming over themselves over letting such a talented young player go.

Pogba’s rapid development since then has resulted in him winning “The Golden Boy” award in 2013. Some neutrals (including me) believe that Pogba will eventually turn out to be one of those players who marks a generation in World Football, and rightly so. Pogba is a great talent but what’s more encouraging is that he has combined his explosive talent with the right desire and attitude required to make a great career in football.

Pace, power, great technique and also his ability to notch goals, Pogba is arguably the best midfield prospect at this moment and time. The 21 year old Frenchman is still raw and a ‘work in progress’ but there is no doubting his quality. A young, talented and more importantly dedicated player only grows to his strengths and Pogba is on the right path indeed.

At Juventus, Pogba has been playing with some vastly experienced players like Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and many more playing in a similar role as himself. These players represent as great examples for Pogba to follow.

In Italy, the fans call him “The Octopus” because of his long and flexible legs and also his ability to give that extra effort in everything he does on the field. Under the guidance of the names mentioned above, Pogba will be able to polish the leadership qualities he already posses as well as further improvise his game.

At only 21, Pogba has been a very important fixture and an instrumental player for Juventus. At times, he has carried his team forward; scored / assisted and also defended in what were decisive moments. Something which is a really good sign as far as individual responsibility is concerned.

Over the past few years Pogba has stood out among the one’s of his age for a reason. The reason is that he has always had that extra quality, the extra desire and passion in whatever he does be it his offensive or defensive contributions. If his development continues in the way it has been over the last 2 years, Paul Pogba might well turn out to be the player many believe can mark a generation in Football.

He’s 21, a real talent, is a very ambitious boy and has shown great maturity ahead of his age. In this case patience is the key because just like others he’s got his own road to travel and has his own set of difficulties to overcome. What remains to be seen is the manner in which he does that.

Up until now he’s overcome every hurdle with flying colors. Give the boy some time which his talent deserves to develop itself because one day he’ll surely reach the pinnacle of your expectations if not exceed them.