Paul Pogba may have scored a stunning goal on Tuesday night, but neither Roy Keane nor Patrick Vieira were impressed by his overall performances as France were beaten by Switzerland on penalties at Euro 2020.
The thrilling game finished 3-3 as France conceded early but stormed back into a 3-1 lead, with Pogba curling a beautiful third into the top corner from long range.
However, they could not hold on, with the Swiss scoring twice late on, including an equaliser in the 92nd minute with Pogba failing to track back from midfield.
The Manchester United midfielder’s goal was memorable and he produced a string of amazing forward passes in the second half of normal time, but Keane can never be fully happy with his performance unless he fulfils his defensive duties as well, which he failed to do.
‘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.
‘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 icon Vieira agreed with his old rival and feels Pogba needs a leader on the pitch beside him to badger 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.’
MORE : Gary Neville blasts France after shock Switzerland defeat: ‘They were a mess’
MORE : Switzerland stun France on penalties after epic 3-3 draw in Euro 2020 last 16
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