XtraTime Web Desk: The football pundits across the globe are terming France as one of the top contenders of this FIFA World Cup. Les Blues have by far one of the strongest teams on paper. But Deschamps’ team believes that their fate is largely dependent on the performance of Paul Pogba.
Hugo Lloris hopes team-mate Paul Pogba will step up and become a leader for France at this summer’s World Cup.
Pogba has come under fire at Manchester United this season and was even dropped by boss Jose Mourinho in the second half of the campaign after a string of disappointing performances.
According to Four Four Two, however, Lloris has encouraged him to put the criticisms to one side and shine in Russia this summer.
‘Paul is no longer a young player,’ Lloris said. ‘He has collected experience with his club and with the national team.
‘He has a lot of talent and that label has stuck with him since the beginning. He has had a very good season, although people still debate it. As a football player and as a football fan, I think he had a very good season.’
In his 27 Premier League appearances for United this season, he had a hand in 16 goals for United – scoring six and assisting 10. It’s a steady improvement from his first season upon his return to United, and he has even begun to show maturity on the big stage.
Pogba’s has scored some crucial goals for United, including a brace in a memorable comeback victory over arch rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, as well as providing two assists in an away win over Arsenal early in the season.
With these starring performances coming in isolated scenarios, his issue has been consistency.
And while Lloris insists Pogba is not always deserving of some of the criticism he receives, the French goalkeeper hopes he can replicate some of the form he has shown this season on a more consistent basis at the tournament in Russia.