Andros Townsend has suggested that Paul Pogba is not appreciated by Premier League fans and deserves more respect after another scintillating performance for France on Wednesday.
After France’s first three matches of the Euro 2020 group phase, Pogba has continued to perform at an exceptionally high level for his national team.
Despite having numerous critics for his inconsistent form at Manchester United since his £89m move in 2016, the French midfielder was a key member of France’s World Cup win three years ago and looks to be vital for France’s chance of winning Euro 2020.
Despite Karim Benzema scoring the two goals which lead Didier Deschamps’ team to the top of Group F, Pogba was arguably France’s stand-out performer in their epic 2-2 draw with Portugal.
In the first half, Pogba sliced open Portugal’s rigid defence with a stunning pass to put Kylian Mbappe through on goal, which was saved by Rui Patricio.
Eye-of-a-needle-stuff from Paul Pogba…
Watch and listen on the BBChttps://t.co/4YHQLLQlQW#PORFRA #Euro2020 #bbceuro2020 pic.twitter.com/3E3FsxPQv3
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 23, 2021
Pogba continued to probe and eventually assisted Benzema in the second half to put France ahead with a sumptuous pass which cut Manchester City’s Ruben Dias entirely out of the game.
It counts for Karim Benzema!
Watch and listen on the BBChttps://t.co/6c4ifcB76Q#PORFRA #Euro2020 #bbceuro2020 pic.twitter.com/6W3Bg6Cevl
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 23, 2021
The United midfielder has had a significant influence on France creating chances throughout the entire tournament so far.
Pogba was responsible for another defence-splitting pass to create another goal in the first group stage game against Germany, which was crucial for France’s qualification at the top of the group.
Townsend said on ITV: “For me, having watched the group stages, he’s the player of the tournament.
“Some of his passes and touches… his pass to Mbappe was one of the best I’ve ever seen. The back-four is compact but somehow he squeezes the ball around to Mbappe.
“When he plays for United, he’s not far behind that, but in England we don’t appreciate Pogba.
“We appreciate those that kick hard and run for 90 minutes and that’s not Pogba. We don’t respect him enough in this country.”
Featured Image Credit: PA