This week, we've found out who has been short-listed for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. With the winner being given the title of “Best Player in the World 2014”, for the next 23 days I will be giving my opinion on how each of the candidates have faired in 2014.
Paul Pogba.
100/1- SkyBet
This year, has seen Paul Pogba impress regularly for Serie A and Champions League giants Juventus. The 21 year old is comfortable in any of the midfield positions, and can also play effectively as a lone striker.
The nickname given to him by Juventus fans “Polpo Paul” (“Paul the Octopus”) is an accurate one, Pogba's Octopus like limbs are used as an advantage by the Frenchman, his long legs giving him the added length needed to nick the ball off opposing players in defence, before jinking past defenders with a mixture of skill, pace and power.
Last season, Pogba played predominantly in central midfield, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri regularly playing him right midfield or protecting the back four, alongside Andrea Pirlo. Whilst Pogba's ability to drive into attacking positions from deep has earned most of his hype, his defensive work has not gone unnoticed. Pogba's aggression and inherent strength have been a major asset to his finally tuned all round game.
Many believe that Pogba's playing style is better suited to a more central position and I agree. Pogba possesses stamina, skill and footballing intelligence, these attributes vital for any play making midfielder.
In Europe, the 6'2 Frenchman often found himself frustrated and isolated on the right wing. Although when played in wider positions he has been effective, he is unable to influence matches the way he does so regularly in the Serie A, where he is positioned slightly in front of the classy Pirlo.
This summer, Pogba gave a brilliant account of himself at the Brazil World Cup with France. In doing so, he won the Fifa World Cup best young player award after a string of impressive performances , whilst helping France to the quarter-finals.
This year has seen Pogba perform much more consistently at a sustained period Although 2014 may be a little early for the 21 year old to be a serious contender for the award, by 2016, I firmly believe that the Octopus like Frenchman will be pushing to win the Ballon d'Or award.
Player rating
Passing: 8/10
Shooting: 8.5/10
Heading: 7.5/10
Speed: 8.5/10
Stamina: 8.5/10
Footballing brain: 8/10
Skill: 8.5/10
Tackling: 8/10
Overall rating: 65.5/80
An excellent video of what Pogba has done this season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkTyRZTxzu4
Paul Pogba.
100/1- SkyBet
This year, has seen Paul Pogba impress regularly for Serie A and Champions League giants Juventus. The 21 year old is comfortable in any of the midfield positions, and can also play effectively as a lone striker.
The nickname given to him by Juventus fans “Polpo Paul” (“Paul the Octopus”) is an accurate one, Pogba's Octopus like limbs are used as an advantage by the Frenchman, his long legs giving him the added length needed to nick the ball off opposing players in defence, before jinking past defenders with a mixture of skill, pace and power.
Last season, Pogba played predominantly in central midfield, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri regularly playing him right midfield or protecting the back four, alongside Andrea Pirlo. Whilst Pogba's ability to drive into attacking positions from deep has earned most of his hype, his defensive work has not gone unnoticed. Pogba's aggression and inherent strength have been a major asset to his finally tuned all round game.
Many believe that Pogba's playing style is better suited to a more central position and I agree. Pogba possesses stamina, skill and footballing intelligence, these attributes vital for any play making midfielder.
In Europe, the 6'2 Frenchman often found himself frustrated and isolated on the right wing. Although when played in wider positions he has been effective, he is unable to influence matches the way he does so regularly in the Serie A, where he is positioned slightly in front of the classy Pirlo.
This summer, Pogba gave a brilliant account of himself at the Brazil World Cup with France. In doing so, he won the Fifa World Cup best young player award after a string of impressive performances , whilst helping France to the quarter-finals.
This year has seen Pogba perform much more consistently at a sustained period Although 2014 may be a little early for the 21 year old to be a serious contender for the award, by 2016, I firmly believe that the Octopus like Frenchman will be pushing to win the Ballon d'Or award.
Player rating
Passing: 8/10
Shooting: 8.5/10
Heading: 7.5/10
Speed: 8.5/10
Stamina: 8.5/10
Footballing brain: 8/10
Skill: 8.5/10
Tackling: 8/10
Overall rating: 65.5/80
An excellent video of what Pogba has done this season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkTyRZTxzu4