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Thread: Paul Pogba's statistical contributions were nearly identical in Serie A as they were in the Premier League
Serie A:
– 124 games. 28 goals. 28 assists
Premier League:
– 119 games. 26 goals. 27 assists.
Serie A:
– 124 games. 28 goals. 28 assists
Premier League:
– 119 games. 26 goals. 27 assists.
The big difference is that in Serie A Pogba was one of the fan favorites at Juventus, which is a polar opposite to the maligned figure we've seen at Manchester United.
So what happened?
He joined Juve on a free transfer as a teenager, and didn't come with too many expectations.
So what happened?
He joined Juve on a free transfer as a teenager, and didn't come with too many expectations.
With Juventus, Pogba didn't have much pressure. He joined a team that dominated Serie A, alongside veterans who helped him grow.
He was part of a stacked midfield that included Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio, in a system that allowed him to play at his best.
He was part of a stacked midfield that included Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio, in a system that allowed him to play at his best.
Pogba played as one of the three central midfielders in Conte's 3-5-2. Pirlo would sit deep, Vidal, Pogba or Marchisio would be able to play the box to box role.
While Pogba was easy to root for, he was still a luxury player who didn't influence every match consistently.
While Pogba was easy to root for, he was still a luxury player who didn't influence every match consistently.
What Pogba had going for him was an extremely likable persona, a dynamic style of play that would usually end up with highlight-reel flicks, touches and goals from distance.
Juventus fans knew exactly what Pogba was, and they were fine with it. He was mostly beloved by Juventini
Juventus fans knew exactly what Pogba was, and they were fine with it. He was mostly beloved by Juventini
Fast forward to 2016. Manchester United spend a whopping €105m to sign back Paul Pogba as the apparent face of the team.
A contentious relationship with former manager Jose Mourinho didn't help, nor did it help that he often played deeper in the midfield than he did at Juventus
A contentious relationship with former manager Jose Mourinho didn't help, nor did it help that he often played deeper in the midfield than he did at Juventus
The problem with being signed for €105m is that it's a figure that carries incredible expectations. For that money, you're expected to be a consistent game-changer from week to week. Pogba was never that at Juventus. He was just one of the many pieces.
Pogba's a marketing gem, and United surely knew that. He's someone who sells kits, has a likable personality and a carries himself with a swagger that draws you to him.
A return to Juventus would be ideal for all parties.
A return to Juventus would be ideal for all parties.
Juventus are now desperate for a dynamic, box to box midfielder. The club and the fans and the manager know exactly who he is, how to use him, and what to ultimately expect.
