Paul Pogba may have scored a suoerb goal on Tuesday, but neither Roy Keane nor Patrick Vieira were impressed by his overall display as France were beaten by Switzerland on penalties at Euro 2020.
The thrilling game finished 3-3 as France, who conceded early but came back into a 3-1 lead, with Pogba curling an outstanding third into the top corner from long range.
However, they could not hold on to the lead, with the Swiss scoring twice late on, including an equaliser in the 92nd minute with Pogba failing to track back.
‘No doubt it would be frustrating [to play with Pogba], but this is all part of Paul’s character that people love to see and it’s great,’ Keane told ITV.
‘But then I’d be looking at the goal they conceded in injury time when he was sloppy in midfield, that’s the bit I’d be really critical.
‘It seems harsh because he’s done some brilliant stuff going forward today, there’s no doubt in Paul’s quality, it’s just the other side, maybe his maturity.
‘United have had these problems. Can he play in a two midfield? He probably can’t, he hasn’t got the discipline.
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‘Even today he leaves you frustrated, even with his brilliant quality going forward he lacks that discipline defensively. ‘The top players do it week in and week out and Paul doesn’t quite do it.’
Arsenal and France legend Vieira agreed with his old rival and feels Pogba needs a leader beside him to help him into doing what he is currently failing to.
‘I completely agree,’ said Vieira after Keane’s comments. ‘When you look at his potential, what he can do in midfield, you expect more from him.
‘If he played next to Roy he would maybe be a different player because he needs someone on his back putting him under pressure and being demanding of him. ‘It is frustrating because he can give much more than what he is giving to the team.’
Neville added: “We saw the best and the worst of him in the second half. “This is the best of him, absolutely world class strike. Brilliant.
“At this point in the game, he’d played a great pass through just before that, he was starting to get into the game, combining, he was running the game. “When your team is on top, he’s absolutely outstanding.”
