Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba earned a rave review from Ashley Cole for his display in France’s European Championship opener.
Speaking on the ITV Football Football Show podcast, Cole hailed Pogba’s performance during his national side’s 1-0 over Germany on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old flicked and tricked his way through the match, but also added a delightful pass that initiated the French winner.
He caressed a ball out to Theo Hernandez, whose subsequent cross was comically sliced into his own net by Mats Hummels.
Pogba strolled across the Allianz Arena turf with real freedom, something he wants more of when featuring for United.
Having N’Golo Kante by his side certainly helped, yet it’s a common theme whenever he pulls on the Le Blues jersey.
A different character emerges after the £89m (BBC Sport) gem arrives for international duty.
Cole compliments Pogba
Cole certainly saw the change in Pogba’s play when he was pulling the strings against Germany.
“People mention the Pogba performance. I thought he was unbelievable,” said the former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back.
“Plays with so much confidence now and more of an arrogance.
“He plays at Man United with arrogance but with France, he feels like the man, feels like it’s his family.
“When I watch him sometimes and the way he controls the ball, his turns, his touches, I’ve played against (Zinedine) Zidane and I see that in him.
“That cultured turn. He did one Cruyff (turn) on the side-line.
“Not many people can do that with that finesse and culture. He’s been on fire so far. In that game he was brilliant.”
How close is he to Zidane?
Zidane remains one of the games all-time greats, so to throw Pogba into his bracket is a brave call from Cole.
But on some levels, the comparison is highly understandable.
Both had and have an elegancy about them, as if the world moves at their pace.
They order the ball to do their bidding, with velvet like authority.
Plus, Pogba is not too far behind Zidane in terms of international achievements.
United’s no.6 is already a World Cup winner, like the fabled France squad of 1998, and could easily be crowned champion of Europe next month.
His numbers stand at 81 caps, ten goals and eight assists.
In contrast, Zidane retired with 108 caps, 31 goals and 30 assists.
It’s a parallel that might make some football fans shiver. However, Pogba has the chance to move a step closer to the Real Madrid icon.
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