SeasideEssexXile gives us a scouting report on young Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
Scouting Report – Paul Pogba
By SeasideEssexXile
With the loan window open it looks like this will again be the main source of fresh faces at Bloomfield this season. With fans crying out for a midfielder and a forward to bolster the ranks perhaps the impression we left on Man Utd last season by playing decent football against them may adhere us to borrowing a youngster from their ranks.
There has, over the years, been a stream of players being loaned out from OT. Fergie Snr has been known to help his son out on the odd occasion and the likes of Wellbeck & Cleverley have flourished at our level in recent times.
But a name that keeps ringing out from those watching the stiffs in red is Paul Pogba.
You may have heard of him, as he was the subject of a protracted wrangle between Man U and his previous club Le Havre. The French side claimed United poached him illegally and included allegations of bribes and a house to his parents for his signature.
The French have over the years had some decent midfielders plying their trade in England. Petit, Vieira & Darby and it is a mix of the latter 2 who he is being compared to.
He has the stature of Vieira already standing over 6′, and for a leggy 18yr old he has an exquisite touch which often allows him to make a yard in tight situations. He’s not a dribbler but he does possess great ball control, which along with quick feet and a build that’s only going to get stronger he’s going to prove a handful around the edge of the box.
One thing he certainly does have is an eye for goal. He has a fantastic shot on him, often adding spin to sheer power. He seems to look where he’s placing the ball and his accuracy around goal is one of his strengths.
For a big lad he can pick a pass too.
Whilst we’ve missed the creativity of Charlie we’ve also missed his drive forward and that zip of a pass. Whilst we have the experience of Ferguson & Southern in that area perhaps it could be that lack of fear that youngsters in the game seem to possess nowadays that could help us unlock the Championship defences.
He’s impressed the manager with some impressive displays in the youth team and has now joined the first team training set up which culminated in him making his debut earlier this month in the League Cup.
He’s a name for the future, at one of the biggest clubs in the world but nothing can make up for playing competitive football and at a decent level that could help him, United and hopefully us.
