Ian Wright was quick to defend Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba following France’s surprise exit from the European Championship.
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, Wright wanted to offer some sympathy towards Pogba after his nation were stunned by Switzerland on Monday.
From 3-1 up, France conceded twice in the final ten minutes and then lost the resulting shootout, sending shock waves around the globe.
It was a night of pure drama, with Pogba one of the leading characters.
His wonder strike in the second half looked to set Le Blues on their way to a routine victory.
But with the Swiss having clawed one back and sensing a comeback, disaster struck for the United star.
He was disposed just inside the centre circle, which allowed Granit Xhaka to feed Mario Gavranovic, who in turn slotted past Hugo Lloris to make it 3-3.
For many, that will be the last memory of Pogba from the Euros.
Pogba deserves protection
Wright believed this was a real shame, considering how well the 28-year-old had been playing up to that point.
“Paul Pogba is one of the players who can’t make a mistake, ever in any game,” said the former Arsenal striker.
“He can’t not be intense; he can’t do anything wrong.
“Because, Paul Pogba did a pass in the middle of the pitch with the outside of his boot to the left side on the volley, which was something that should be spoken about for years to come, in the way he executed that.
“People don’t talk about that kind of stuff. They are talking about Paul Pogba giving away the ball.
“Paul Pogba, the way he plays, that can happen. What about what Paul Pogba does, what Paul Pogba does to create.”
Pity for Paul
Had France qualified, all anyone will have remembered from that match was Pogba’s goal.
The execution was of the highest order, unsavable by virtually anyone on the planet.
As it stands, that thunderbolt is nothing but a consolation.
However, the performances of United’s no.6 throughout the Euros should not be forgotten.
According to WhoScored.com, Pogba made the joint-most passes (278), second-most key passes (eight) and successful dribbles (ten), plus the third-most tackles (eight) of any French player.
His overall game seems to flourish on international duty, something that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hope to wield when he returns to Manchester for pre-season.
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