Manchester United left back Luke Shaw has launched an impassioned defence of Paul Pogba, labelling him as the best midfielder in the world.
That’s some statement. Pogba at his best is definitely up there but we, the fans, don’t see enough consistency from the former Juventus midfield to argue he’s the best midfielder in the world.
Pogba spearheaded a remarkable comeback win over Premier League champions Manchester City just a week before a woeful display against West Brom, which again saw him come in for strong criticism. Consistency is his biggest enemy at the moment.
Shaw, speaking to M.E.N., has labelled the derision sent Pogba’s way as unjustified.
“It disappoints me how much stick Paul gets because he is the best midfielder in the world.
“He is still young and is still learning about this league. But so many people want to try and bring him down because of his price tag and the way acts and the way he is.
“People always seem to put ‘bad’ to his name. But he’s an amazing guy and works so hard in training. It it is quite hard to perform at a high level week in, week out.
“Sometimes people criticise him because they know he can do it – and we all know he can do it.Sometimes he’s good, sometimes he’s bad, but he’s the best midfielder in the world and he’s going to be that for many years.
“I’m lucky to be playing with such a quality player like that.”
Shaw is a player out-of-favour at Old Trafford with an uncertain future. Pogba’s situation, albeit not half as bad, has some similarities, but at least he’s playing every week.
The England international started midweek against Bournemouth and did OK. Nothing special but nothing to suggest he should be left out as much as he has been.
That said, Mourinho simply doesn’t trust Shaw and has issues with the player’s attitude. These are things we don’t see or can pick up on because fans don’t attend the club’s training every day or sit in on dressing room discussions or meetings between players and staff.
