France Football ran a poll revealing 73% of France supporters do not want Paul Pogba to feature in the starting eleven at the World Cup.
Paul #Pogba has claimed: “I’m judged differently to other players” in France Football. “If Messi walks on the pitch, then he scores a hat-trick, are you going to say: ‘Ah but he was walking’? No.” #MUFC
— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) 4 June 2018
The Manchester United midfielder was booed off the pitch by his nation’s fans during France’s 3-1 win over Italy in an international friendly last week. His sliced shot from long-range may have tipped them over the edge but booing one of your own still sounds harsh, even if it almost went out for a throw-in.
READ MORE: France teammate warns Paul Pogba ahead of World Cup
Pogba hasn’t had the easiest for seasons. He started the 2017/18 campaign strongly but then capitulated from January onwards.
A frustrating player because he lacks any real degree of consistency, Pogba receives criticism mostly for not doing the basics and trying to overcomplicate his game.
But if it wasn’t for such a heavy price-tag hovering over his name, would Pogba get as much stick from pundits and fans alike?
It now appears that his lackluster performances have stretched to his national side, with FF’S poll suggesting their fans have had enough.
France have great depth to their side, though, and replacing Pogba won’t be all that difficult. N’Golo Kante, Blaise Matutdi, Steven N’Zonzi and Corentin Tolisso will all compete with the 25-year-old for a place in Didier Deschamps’ star-studded midfield.
And, with names like that available for selection throughout the World Cup, France deserve to be among the favourites to win it outright this summer.
Pogba was one of France’s best performers at the European Championships in 2016 – the same summer he returned to Old Trafford after leaving Serie A giants Juventus.
Can he do it again if boss Deschamps selects him to start?
Paul Pogba’s WC starting place under serious threat as Deschamps impressed by Tolisso, while PP also facing supporter discontent and struggle for form. France Football magazine poll of nearly 7,000 France fans yesterday had 73% wanting him dropped. https://t.co/hlPrUmKVk0
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) 4 June 2018
