Paul Pogba remains a “complete player” at Manchester United and a “leader-type” figure whatever his detractors may think, says Jesse Lingard.
France ‘s international midfielder was expected to become a talismanic presence at Old Trafford in the summer of 2016 when they completed a record-breaking £89 million ($113 m) transfer.
Pogba has struggled to prove his worth at club level while becoming a World Cup winner with his country since linking back up with the Red Devils.
That has led to endless discussion of his form and future, with talk of transfer never far from the 27-year-old – as he sees mooted movements to Real Madrid and Juve.
However, those around him at the Theater of Dreams have continued to regularly speak up on his value.
Lingard advanced alongside Pogba through the United academy system, with both becoming senior stars in their own right.
International England believes that an enigmatic performer remains one of the best available to current Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with few holes to pick in his game.
Lingard told Sky Sports: “I grew up with Paul and you could see the technological abilities he possessed at such a young age when he first came in. He went on to win the World Cup, with Juventus and us, and many trophies. He’s a complete player, the all-round player. He is always positive and off the field he has good energy. He is humble and one of the best guys that you will meet. In the locker room, he is always optimistic and he helps up the lads when they’re down. That also shows in the field. It is difficult for the lads to get him off the ball because he is so big. He became the leader-type and took on that responsibility well.”
In the 2019-20 campaign, Pogba saw injury restricting him to just eight appearances, but he had a coronavirus-enforced break to work on his fitness and should be raring to go when Premier League resumes action.
