Even when Paul Pogba is great, it’s not good enough.
Manchester United have called upon him this season and he’s answered.
How many players in Premier League history can hold the accolade of providing four assists in one match?
It was six before Pogba pulled off a masterclass in passing against Leeds United on the opening weekend.
How many players in Premier League history have registered five assists in their side’s first two fixtures of a single campaign?
It was zero before Pogba provided the crucial pass to set up Mason Greenwood’s equaliser away to Southampton.
So the Frenchman has re-written the history books, orchestrated United’s unbeaten start to the term and earned rave reviews from pundits across the board.
His reward? To be completely overlooked for the Player of the Month award.
In the grand scheme of things, this individual accolade means very little.
Who actually remembers the winner of April’s 2012 addition? (it was Nikica Jelavic, by the way)
But just some recognition for Pogba’s work would be nice.
Who is Pogba up against?
Take a look at the other nominees and the decision to leave out United’s midfielder is even more baffling.
Granted, Greenwood thoroughly deserves his place on the podium.
Three goals in as many outings is a brilliant return for the teenager, whose improvement is ‘frightening’.
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio is currently the league’s leading scorer, so his inclusion is justified.
Antonio’s teammate, Said Benrahma, has two goals and two assists in a trio of matches. We’ll let him stay.
But Eric Dier? Really? Yes, Tottenham Hotspur have kept three consecutive clean sheets, but was there really nobody else to choose from?
Demarai Gray bagged twice for his new club Everton. Is that worthy of a pick? It’s certainly not five assists worthy.
Then there’s Marcos Alonso, who curled in a delightful free-kick against Crystal Palace and put in some strong displays for Chelsea.
Again, is that sufficient? Compared to Pogba’s outlay, we aren’t so sure.
It just begs the question: how much does United’s no.6 have to do to earn a bit of credit?
Rescue a cat from a tree? Build an orphanage? Cure world hunger? Graeme Souness would still find room for improvement.
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