Pogba the base for Juventus’ success
Thursday May 19 2016
Massimiliano Allegri has based much of the Bianconeri’s success around the Frenchman, and he will be relied upon once more as the only midfield starter available for the Coppa Italia final this Saturday.
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has proven to be the constant in the Bianconeri midfield this season with his all-round performances.
With coach Massimiliano Allegri’s side frequently hit by injuries this season, the Frenchman’s consistency has helped Juventus overcome an early deficit and roar up the table to eventually secure their fifth straight title.
Ahead of the Coppa Italia final on May 21st against AC Milan, Pogba will be the lone starter in the starting XI due to injuries to Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira.
It will be up to the 23-year-old to carry the load in midfield and lead the team to their second straight league and cup double.
The Frenchman is second on the team in number of appearances with 48; only defender Leonardo Bonucci has more at 49, and in those matches, Pogba has registered 10 goals and 16 assists.
Statistically, the former Manchester United man has played above and beyond the mean this season, averaging per match more recovered balls (7.46), successful dribbles (2.91), chances created (1.54), and successful passes (40.49) than the average midfielder.
The 23-year-old has also taken 124 shots on goal this season, the most out of anyone in Europe’s top five leagues.
Pogba has already completed his fourth season at Juventus since signing on a free transfer from United, compiling 177 appearances an 34 goals in the process.
Beyond this season is another matter however. Management has insisted that both Pogba and Paulo Dybala will not be sold this summer despite interest from the richest clubs in Europe.
Along with that, Juventus are not in a position where they need to sell as the league champions are setting their sights next season on finally taking the next step in Europe and winning the Champions League for the first time since 1996.
Selling their two top players would do much harm in trying to achieve that goal.
