Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba earns less than average Premier League player

The French midfielder has made headlines since his move to Juventus,
but his salary continues to shrink in comparison to the big-money leagues.

Sep 9, 2014

Paul Pogba earns less than the average salary in the cash-rich Premier League, new figures have revealed.

The Juventus star is considered to be one of the jewels in the Italian league’s crown on the back of two fantastic seasons in the famous black and white stripes following his move from Manchester United.

However, the France international has regularly been touted for a potential big-money exit from Juventus Stadium, and figures recently published by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport give one indication as to why Pogba may wish to move on soon.

The 21-year-old has three years left to run on his current Juventus contract, but his deal in Turin entitles him to a gross salary of €1.5 million per year, which means he earns less than 14 of his team-mates. His deal also pales in comparison with figures paid to the best players in some of the more wealthy leagues in the world.

What’s more, figures released this summer quoted the average wage of a Premier League player in England to have been €2m in 2012-13, with projections suggesting salaries have markedly increased in the past 12 months.

Radamel Falcao joined Manchester United earlier this month on a loan deal from Monaco which is set to earn him a €22.5m over the course of one season, a sensational 1500% mark-up on Pogba’s Juve deal.

Daniele De Rossi comes in top of Serie A’s earners for a second successive year thanks to his €6.5m Roma deal. The Italy midfielder’s salary is worth more than newly-promoted Cesena’s entire wage bill.

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba: Juventus talks under way

The French midfielder, who admits he is arrogant, says he will be holding
talks with the Serie A champions' chiefs regarding extending his contract at the club.

Sep 14, 2014

Paul Pogba has confirmed he is in talks with Juventus about extending his current deal with the Serie A champions.

The France international has become a key component of the Juve midfield since joining the club from Manchester United in 2012.

Pogba's impressive performances for the Turin giants reportedly attracted attention from a number of Europe's top clubs, with Paris Saint-Germain said to be the main candidates to lure him away from Italy, while a return to United was repeatedly rumoured in the summer.

However, the 21-year-old's latest revelations mean any move now seems less likely unless negotiations break down before the winter transfer window.

"We are in negotiations for a contract renewal with Juventus," the midfielder told TF1. "I will soon have a meeting with the board of directors.

"I have the arrogance of a born winner."

Pogba's current deal runs until summer 2016, but Juve are said to be keen on extending the agreement for a further three years.

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba confirms Juve talks

Sep 14, 2014

Paul Pogba confirmed he is “in negotiations for a contract renewal with Juventus.”

The midfielder is hot property on the transfer market and wanted by the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United.

“We are in negotiations for a contract renewal with Juventus,” Pogba told TF1 in France.

“I will soon have a meeting with the directors.”

His current deal runs to June 2016, but the Bianconeri are eager to extend until 2019.

[Socrates 8296]

5 Things Paul Pogba Must Do
to Take His Game Forward in 2014/15

Sep 25, 2014

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport recently, former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi said it was “absurd,” (h/t Goal.com) that Paul Pogba had been allowed to leave Manchester United. Looking at the performances of the Frenchman since arriving in Turin, it is hard to disagree with that sentiment, such has been his dramatic elevation to stardom.

From being a player seemingly unable to break into Sir Alex Ferguson’s first-team plans at Old Trafford, the 21-year-old has become a mainstay for both the Bianconeri and his national side. He has established a reputation as one of the finest young talents on the continent and the envy of top clubs everywhere.

However, despite L’Equipe reporting the interest of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid (h/t Forza Italian Football), there is still room for improvement in the player’s performances. Massimiliano Allegri touched upon that last week, telling Sky Italia (per Gianluca Di Marzio):

I get mad with him a lot, because he has a lot of potential but he hasn’t fully expressed it yet. But we know that he’s 21 and so he has the time to do it. He’s an amazing player, both physically and technically: his skills make the team leap in quality.

Over the following pages is a look at five areas in which Pogba can do just that, improvements which could make him an even more well-rounded player.


1. Stay Humble

Perhaps the biggest hurdle to any player wishing to become truly great is their own humility, being able to remain calm as the world sings their praises. Thus far, Pogba has managed this, thanks to a combination of his high-profile team-mates' guidance and an eagerness to continue learning and improving.

Antonio Conte told reporters last year that Pogba was “humble” and noted how important that had been in the player’s “incredible” progress, per Goal.com. By continuing with that approach, the Frenchman truly can become one of the world’s finest players.


2. Work on His Passing

One area where Pogba can certainly improve is his passing, both in terms of consistency and his overall decision-making. According to stats site WhoScored.com, his pass completion rate was 83.8 percent last term, way below that of his colleagues in the Juventus midfield.

After developing a reputation for superb goals outside the box, he has developed something of a shoot-first mentality, often overlooking better-placed team-mates. By making that extra pass, Pogba could improve his contribution to his side’s play further still.


3) Improve His Shot Selection

That penchant for taking long-range efforts at goal has been rewarded with some stunning strikes, but there is clearly room to improve the accuracy of those shots. As the above image—courtesy of Squawka.com—highlights, Pogba found the target with just 29 of 73 attempts last term, leading to just seven goals.

By making better decisions over when and where to take those chances, he will certainly improve those figures, making him an even greater threat to opponents.


4. Shine in Europe

In order to bring even greater accolades and attention upon himself, Pogba needs to ensure both he and Juventus shine on the biggest stages. After stumbling in the Champions League last term, a deep run in the competition is essential this season.


5. Develop Better Understanding with Team-Mates

After two full seasons with Juventus, Pogba has become a central figure in the starting XI for the Bianconeri. However, he has yet to foster the kind of intrinsic understanding that the greatest players seem to share between themselves.

By further developing his relationships with players such as Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez, the 21-year-old can elevate his play to an even higher level.

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba agrees Juve extension

Sep 29, 2014

Mediaset believe that Juventus and Paul Pogba are all but signed off on a new contract for the Frenchman until June 2019.

The midfielder, his agent and the club indicated that amid Juve’s refusal to sell him this summer, talks over a new contract were in the pipeline, with speculation over a new deal to boost his salary above the €4m mark.

Whilst recent weeks have seen rumours and comment split over the progress and direction of such negotiations, Sportmediaset today are running the line that an agreement has been reached.

They report that Pogba has indeed committed to a new five-year contract to see him through to the end of June 2019, and that his salary will be more than doubled from its €1.5m rate up to the previously mentioned €4m.

The report suggests that confirmation of this agreement is due imminently.

[Socrates 8296]

PSG Want Juventus Star Pogba

Sep 8, 2014

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly the latest club interested in signing Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba once again after having previous bids for him turned down by the Italian giants.

The 21-year-old, who is currently on international duty with France, has been a main target of several European giants as of late besides the Parisians including Chelsea and Manchester United, though it seems the Bianconeri are ready to do whatever it takes to hold on to him for quite some time.

According to Tuttosport, French international and PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi has even expressed his wishes to play alongside Pogba on a club level and admitted that he would favour the Juve man’s move to Paris.

“I want to play with Pogba,” he said. “He’s a great guy, it would be a pleasure to play with him at PSG.”

Juventus have plans of their own, however, as director general Beppe Marotta has apparently already begun the process of arranging a contract renewal with the midfielder’s representatives.

[Socrates 8296]

Manchester City to make summer bid for Paul Pogba

Oct 11, 2014

Manchester City are planning to make a bid for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba next summer, according to reports.

The French international has been heavily linked with a move away from Turin in recent months, with his current contract due to expire in June 2016.

According to The Times, Citizens manager Manuel Pellegrini is keen on the ex-Manchester United man, the Etihad outfit seeking a long-term replacement for Yaya Toure.

Pogba is also said to be of interest to Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba: Coman Has What It Takes To Follow
In My Footsteps At Juventus

Oct 11, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba believes that Kingsley Coman possesses the right qualities to follow in his footsteps at the Old Lady.

The 18-year-old has already shown his potential on the pitch for the Bianconeri since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain over the summer and Pogba remains confident in the youngster’s ability to do well under coach Massimiliano Allegri in Turin.

Pogba spoke to the press while on international duty with the France on Friday about Coman’s talent and expressed the faith he has in Allegri to lead Juve to even more success this season.

“I’m convinced that Juventus can do great things with Allegri leading us,” said the 21-year-old, who will be helping his national team in their friendly against Portugal in Paris on Saturday.

“I also believe that Coman is a fantastic player who has all of the credentials needed to follow my path with the Bianconeri. It’s fortunate that we have him.”

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba: I Took A Knock To The Knee,
But I Can Continue With France

Oct 12, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has reassured fans of the Old Lady that a knock he picked up during France’s friendly win over Portugal wasn’t anything serious.

The 21-year-old French international, who scored his country’s second goal in their 2-1 victory against the Portuguese team in Paris on Saturday, admitted that his knee was in need of some ice after the match, but is confident that he’ll be ready for Les Blues’ next friendly against Armenia on Tuesday.

Pogba spoke to RMC after France’s positive result against Portugal about his physical condition and insisted that he is fine and able to continue training for the next game.

“The knee is fine, I took a knock and I only put some ice on it, but it’s all right,” said the Juventus star.

“There are no problems for the national team. At the moment I am currently planning on appearing for the national team in the next match and I don’t think there will be any problems.”

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba: There was no argument with Evra

The midfielder insists that he was merely offered words of support
when confronted by his Juventus colleague in Saint-Denis on Saturday.

Oct 12, 2014

Paul Pogba has dismissed the suggestion that France team-mate Patrice Evra reprimanded him during Saturday's friendly win over Portugal.

The pair appeared to have words after Pogba misplaced a pass during the game in Paris but the midfielder has insisted that he was merely being offered support by his Juventus colleague.

"I wanted to change the play but I did not see the pass, so I kept the ball," the 21-year-old told RMC. "Then I slipped and lost the ball.

"Pat did not come over to scold me; he came to encourage me. There was no argument.

"As I often say, this is my 'Uncle Pat' and he came to tell me it was not serious and that I should continue as I was doing, as he always done in the past.

"I was a little bummed about losing the ball, but football is like that."

Pogba, who netted the second goal in France's victory, also reassured Juventus fans that the blow he took to his knee was no cause for concern.

"Everything's fine," he insisted. "I received a little knock but it's okay now."

Pogba has established himself as a key player for Juventus since joining from Manchester United in 2012 and he was joined in Turin by former Red Devils colleague Evra this summer.

[Socrates 8296]

Why Paul Pogba Should Be Manchester City's
Top Transfer Target

Oct 13, 2014

According to a report in The Times written by James Ducker, Manchester City are once again being linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, a player many believe to be the natural heir to Yaya Toure’s throne.

Pogba, who made his senior debut with Manchester United, has forged a reputation as one of the world’s best central midfield players since he moved to Serie A in 2012, winning two league titles and two Italian cups.

His performances for France at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil further underlined his credentials, with a series of top-class performances confirming his position as one of the fastest-rising stars in the game.

City, it seems, have highlighted Pogba as a top transfer target, and with 31-year-old Toure struggling to recreate his wonderful form of last season, where he scored 20 league goals and was voted the club’s Player of the Year, it makes sense for City to be monitoring the Frenchman’s situation.

Pogba is the complete midfielder, full of pace, power, energy and an ability to drive forward and score goals. He’s perhaps the only player in Europe possessing the right mix attributes to replace Toure in this City side. The Ivorian is a force of nature on his day, a player capable of dominating a midfield battle and providing match-winning abilities, and City can’t afford to lose that facet of their game.

So often last season during the club’s title win, Toure was the catalysts for three points, and finding a younger player capable of offering the same dynamism is no easy task. Pogba, it seems, is emerging as the club’s primary transfer target on the basis of being one of the very few young players considered to have the necessary tools to fill the void Toure will eventually leave.

Pogba has hit 14 goals in 91 appearances at Juventus since leaving Old Trafford two years ago, and already has 18 caps for France. Alex Ferguson’s strange reluctance to give him a chance in the United midfield, which had been substandard for some time prior to his emergence as a potential first-team player, looks increasingly misguided the more he plays for the Turin giants.

The one stumbling block is the homegrown quota. City’s next wave of recruitment seems certain to include players who tick the Premier League’s homegrown criteria, yet Pogba, despite his United links, appears to fall just short of fulfilling the measures.

City know they need homegrown stars, and the club’s new academy, a state-of-the-art complex adjacent to the Etihad Stadium which opens in the next few weeks, is seen as the long-term solution to the problem.

However, it will take time for the academy to bear fruit, and in the meantime City need an injection of homegrown stars. With Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott and Gareth Barry all having left in the summer transfer window, it has left City on the precipice of failing to comply with homegrown guidelines. Dedryck Boyata was subsequently offered a new deal despite his limited first-team chances, and with James Milner’s contract set to expire in June, the club need to act.

Pogba, though, is too good to miss out on, regardless of his homegrown status. Like Toure, he can dictate proceedings. He can offer defensive solidity and attacking prowess. And he is improving all the time. Very few can replace Toure but he most certainly could.

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba: 'I'll be best in the world'

Oct 15, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba said his “aim is to become the best player in the world” after a FIFA award.

The France international picked up the Hyundai Young Player award for his part in the 2014 World Cup during the Paris Motor Show today.

“I’m very proud to receive this award and it was an honour for me to play in the World Cup,” the 21-year-old told FIFA.com.

“I can’t predict what’s going to happen in the future, but I’m going to do all I can to win even more trophies.

“I’m going to keep on working hard. My aim is to become the best player in the world.”

[Socrates 8296]

Juve continuing Pogba talks

Oct 16, 2014

Juventus are continuing contract negotiations with Paul Pogba and are reportedly offering a four-year extension.

The Bianconeri have been expected to agree an extended and improved deal for the France international having ended speculation of an exit from Turin this summer, despite reputed interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Tuttosport today update on the progress of those talks and say that a meeting has been held in Milan between Juve officials and Pogba’s representatives, Mino Raiola and Walid Ben Zefti.

It is speculated that terms of the proposal have been tabled and that the Old Lady is looking to tie Pogba down to June 2018, with an option also in place for a further year.

Representing an initial two-year extension to his current contract, the offer also apparently will have the 21-year-old’s salary boosted to €4m - currently the midfielder is earning €1.5m each season.

Tuttosport say Beppe Marotta is eyeing another meeting as soon as possible with Raiola and Ben Zefti and this will most likely come after next week’s Champions League clash with Olympiacos, with an agreement aimed to reached by the end of this month.

The Turin publication also quote Ben Zefti: “Paul is happy in Turin, the negotiations for the renewal are underway, they could take a long time just as they could be closed very quickly, we’ll see.

“It depends on several things, not just the money.”

Pogba yesterday picked up the Hyundai Young Player Award for his part played at the 2014 World Cup.

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba: I want to become the best player in the world

The 21-year-old France international says that he is driven
by the desire to win individual awards and team titles with Juventus.

Oct 16, 2014

Paul Pogba has revealed that his ambition is to "become the best player in the world".

The midfielder has helped Juventus win two Serie A titles since joining from Manchester United in the summer of 2012 and only further enhanced his reputation by starring for France at this summer's World Cup.

Pogba's performances in Brazil saw him named the Young Player of the Tournament and he has now admitted that he is driven by the prospect of winning more individual and collective trophies.

"I'm very proud to receive this award and it was an honour for me to play in the World Cup," the 21-year-old told FIFA.com on Wednesday.

"I can't predict what's going to happen in the future but I'm going to do all I can to win even more trophies.

"I'm going to keep working hard. My aim is to become the best player in the world."

Pogba's current contract with Juventus runs until 2016 and he was repeatedly linked with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and United during the summer.

However, the former Le Havre prodigy is in talks with the Bianconeri over a new contract and is imminently expected to pen a three-year extension.

[Socrates 8296]

Juventus Close To Renewing Contract Of Pogba

Oct 16, 2014

Juventus look set to extend the contract of midfielder Paul Pogba with the French international set to stay with the Turin giants until 2018.

The former Manchester United player has attracted Europe’s top clubs with a string of impressive performances for the Bianconeri but the reigning Serie A champions look set to keep him at the club.

Sportmediaset report that Pogba is prepared to commit his future to Juventus as he feels he is an important cog in the Serie A Champions machine, with the signing coming as soon as the weekend.

The 21-year-old was voted the Hyundai Young Player at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil and has scored 12 goals in 68 appearances since joining the Bianconeri in August 2012.

[Socrates 8296]

Real Madrid Join Race For Pogba

Oct 20, 2014

Spanish giants Real Madrid have apparently reaffirmed their interest in Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba and could make a move for the Frenchman during the next summer window.

Pogba’s contract with the Italian champions expire in 2016, though a new deal is set to be agreed, further pushing up his transfer value.

According to the Spanish outlet, El Chiringuito de Jugones, Real Madrid could join the race with French champions, Paris Saint-Germain in the next summer window to make a move to acquire Paul Pogba.

Pogba joined Juventus from Manchester United on a free transfer in 2012, and scored 13 Serie A goals in 69 appearances for the Bianconeri.

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba Ready To Sign Juventus Contract Extension

Oct 23, 2014

Italian champions Juventus are looking to extend young French phenomenon Paul Pogba’s contract through to 2019.

Paul Pogba, who is one of the most coveted central midfielders in the world, has been linked with a number of the world’s largest and richest clubs including English trio Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

However, Sky Sport Italia reports that Juventus have agreed the terms of Pogba’s contract renewal and are looking to extend his deal until 2019 later on Thursday.

This comes as welcome news to Juventus supporters as they are in need of some good news, due to Juventus’ 1-0 Champions League loss to Olympiakos in Greece on Wednesday.

[Socrates 8296]

Paul Pogba signs contract
extension through 2019

Oct 24, 2014

In the span of two years, Paul Pogba has gone from youngster with loads of potential to one of the focal points of Juventus' title-winning squad.

And now he's getting a handsome raise because of it.

Juventus announced on Friday morning that Pogba, their 21-year-old French midfield dynamo, has agreed to a contract extension through 2019, ending what had been months of "Will he or won't he sign a new deal?" Juve director general Beppe Marotta ensured that a new deal would get done in due time no matter what was going on in the Italian press. Come Friday, we got word that the much-talked about status of Pogba's has been resolved. And with a bunch of good news to boot.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
Marotta: @paulpogba has just renewed his contract with us until 2019.

The official, non-Twitter club statement, courtesy of juventus.com:

Juventus Football Club is delighted to announce that Paul Pogba has today put pen to paper on a new contract which keeps him with the club until 2019.

The agreement was confirmed this morning at the club's shareholders' assembly by CEO Giuseppe Marotta, who said: "Before coming here we signed Paul Pogba's contract extension which binds us until 2019."

The raise in annual salary, according to the figures being thrown out there in the last 24 hours or so, seems to be in the neighborhood of €4 million to €4.5 million a season. Gianluca Di Marzio's initial report that stated negotiations had been completed said Pogba will earn €3.5 or €4 million a season. The Corriere Dello Sport's report on Friday that said a deal was done had Pogba's annual salary in the €4.5 million range, which would be one of the highest figures on the current Juventus roster.

Either way, Pogba has officially put pen to paper on a new deal and both sides have clearly won. Pogba gets a shiny new contract, and Juventus locks up one of its most sought after assests. And no matter what he's officially making, he's gotten a well-deserved raise that will keep him in Turin for a good long time.

Noted goalkeeping great and Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon had this to say about Pogba signing an extension during an interview with Sky Sport Italia on Thursday:

"It would be great news for all of us and I hope also for him, because the most beautiful thing is knowing what it means to represent Juventus and be a symbol for such a glorious club. Juventus would also be sending a strong message"

(Source: Gianluca Di Marzio)

I agree, San Gigi. Like I said before Arturo Vidal signed his new deal, my stance remains the same for Pogba: Go ahead and give him all the money. It will be worth it.

You just have to wonder if Pogba's new deal will kick into motion all of the other rumored contract extensions within the Juventus squad. Who knows if it will be Buffon, Martín Cáceres, Giorgio Chiellini, Carlos Tévez, Stephan Lichtsteiner, whoever else you want to throw into the mix. Seeing as that's a good portion of Juve's core, I sure hope there's more contract extension posts coming in the next couple of months.

We'll see. But this is about Pogba — and rightfully so.

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba must improve a lot - Allegri

The midfielder signed a new contract at Juventus Stadium this week, but his coach
says he needs to make certain tweaks to his game to become world class.

Oct 25, 2014

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri says Paul Pogba “must improve a lot” if he is to realise his full potential and become one of the greatest players in the world.

The France international, 21, put an end to speculation over his future by signing a new five-year deal until 2019 on Friday.

However, Allegri was cautious in his appraisal of the midfielder, claiming his player must make a final addition to his game to propel him into the bracket of the world's best players.

"I think the club invested well in this 21-year-old player," he said.

"He has to improve a lot, as he is lacking that last step to become extraordinary. He has a great future and can stay here for a long time."

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba: I play like Yaya Toure

The midfielder has been studying the Manchester City midfielder amongst
a number of other players in his position in a bid to improve his game.

Oct 27, 2014
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has likened his playing style to that of Manchester City star Yaya Toure.

The France international signed a new contract with the Serie A champions until 2019 on Friday, having become a key figure for club and country since arriving in Turin after leaving Manchester United on a free transfer two years ago.

Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri said over the weekend that Pogba still has lots of work to do to become one of the best players in the world and he has responded by revealing how he studies many of the game's finest players in his position.

"I think there are lots of players still better than me, but it's not up to me to worry about this sort of comparison," he told Fifa.com. "I try to do my job and be the best I possibly can.

"There are lots of midfielders I admire and watching them helps me improve. I could mention, for example, Yaya Toure, who has a similar size and physique to me but more experience. We have more or less the same playing style, even if he's a bit more attacking than me."

Pogba featured at his first World Cup in Brazil earlier this year, playing a key role as France made the quarter-finals before bowing out to eventual winners Germany.

Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps is one of two midfield greats to have worked with Pogba - ex-Juve boss Antonio Conte the other - and the former Manchester United prodigy feels both both have aided his development.

"I've progressed with both of them. Didier Deschamps, for example, knows me very well and knows how to manage me," he added.

"He helps me improve every day, whether it's in training or in a match.

"He gives me the desire to give my best. He always gives me good advice and he's very honest with me. As a player, you really appreciate getting trust and encouragement from your coach.

"What he tells me most is to, 'stay focused and keep things simple', the way he used to do so well."

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba nominated for Ballon d’Or

Oct 28, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is Serie A’s sole representative on the FIFA Ballon d’Or shortlist revealed this morning.

The 23-man shortlist for the award to recognise the world’s best player from the past 12 months has been announced by the game’s governing body and France Football magazine.

It features no Italian players, but does include Juve’s young France international Pogba, who picked up the Best Young Player Award at this summer’s World Cup.

Captains and head Coaches of every national team plus selected representatives from the world media will cast their votes, with a three-man shortlist to be announced on December 1.

The award winner will then be revealed in a special televised ceremony at the Zurich Kongresshaus on January 12, 2015, with several other awards being presented at the same time, including the FIFA World Coach of the Year Award, which Antonio Conte and Carlo Ancelotti are in contention for.

The FIFA FIFPro World XI, the FIFA Puskás Award – for the most beautiful goal of the year – the FIFA Presidential Award and the FIFA Fair Play Award will also be presented.

Juventus and Milan shared the record for most Ballon d’Or wins by club - 8 - before the competition was merged with the FIFA World Player of the Year Award, since when the award has only been won by Lionel Messi - three times - and Cristiano Ronaldo - once.


FIFA Ballon D’Or 2014 shortlist

Gareth Bale (Wales/Real Madrid), Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid), Diego Costa (Spain/Atletico Madrid/Chelsea), Thibaut Courtois (Belgium/Atletico Madrid/Chelsea), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Real Madrid), Angel Di Maria (Argentina/Real Madrid), Mario Goetze (Germany/Bayern Munich), Eden Hazard (Belgium/Chelsea), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden/Paris Saint-Germain), Andres Iniesta (Spain/Barcelona), Toni Kroos (Germany/Bayern Munich), Philipp Lahm (Germany/Bayern Munich), Javier Mascherano (Argentina/Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Thomas Mueller (Germany/Bayern Munich), Manuel Neuer (Germany/Bayern Munich), Neymar (Brazil/Barcelona), Paul Pogba (France/Juventus), Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid), Arjen Robben (Netherlands/Bayern Munich), James Rodriguez (Colombia/Monaco/Real Madrid), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany/Bayern Munich), Yaya Toure (Côte d’Ivoire/Manchester City)

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba will become one of the best ever, says Zidane

The Real Madrid Castilla coach believes his compatriot, who was nominated for the 23-man
Ballon d'Or list this year, is destined to achieve great things in the seasons to come.

Oct 28, 2014

France legend Zinedine Zidane believes that Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has the potential to become a true great if he can keep up his current development.

The 21-year-old was voted best young player at the World Cup earlier this summer after previously scooping up the prestigious Golden Boy award, and Zidane has little doubt his compatriot has a bright future ahead of him.

"What Paul is doing at the age of 21 is huge," Zidane told L'Equipe.

"Maybe we are talking about Pogba a bit too much, but if he can keep up his current development he can become one of the best players ever.

"For me, he is a combination of Claude Makelele and Patrick Vieira. If I were his coach, I would use him in a slightly more advanced role.

"He has to keep it simple every now and then in order to become more efficient. That way he can develop from a good midfielder into a top player.

"Will he ever join Real Madrid? We'll see..."

[Socrates 8296]

Diamonds are forever, sometimes

Dave Taylor believes Paul Pogba certainly deserves his wage
increase at Juventus, but wonders what the future will bring.

Oct 29, 2014

“Just signed my new contract with Juventus and I want to thank the club for the trust and the tifosi for their support,” wrote Paul Pogba to his 1.28m Twitter followers last Monday.

It was a message that reiterated the statement from Juve’s director general Giuseppe Marotta ahead of the shareholders’ general assembly last week: “Before coming to see you we signed a renewal with Pogba until 2019.”

Perhaps a tad presumptive by a couple of days but there is no doubt that Marotta was warning any would-be suitors that if they are intent on taking the club’s best young player they will have to pay an appropriate price. He was certainly stating the obvious as, no longer a diamond in the rough, Juve’s glittering young gem has immaculately polished up and has displayed the many facets of his skills since joining the Old Lady.

By rewarding him with a reported €75,000-a-week, Juve have demonstrated to the Best Young Player at last summer’s World Cup that he is now a vital and integral part of their future.

The deal also apparently includes bonuses for personal and team gains until 2019. “We deem the wage increase appropriate to Pogba’s value. There are no release clauses because we intend to keep him for a long time,” Marotta commented also. This was a rejoinder of his earlier statement that Juve had turned down several lucrative offers for Pogba in the summer.

The confidence shown in him by Juventus is the opposite of what the youngster says his former club Manchester United showed him after being offered a new contract. “I didn’t want to sign a contract as Ferguson [sir Alex, United’s then manager] didn’t play me, even though there were no midfielders there,” Pogba has previously commented. “He obviously thought I didn’t deserve the contract I asked for. I told him ‘If I don’t play then I can’t get any experience and see how far I have to go’.” He stuck at it for a while, sat on the United bench with the much-hyped return of the veteran midfielder Paul Scholes in his position, and obviously thought that was the final straw, a Ferguson kick-in-the-teeth to the highly promising youngster.

Thankfully for world football, France and most of all Juve, the brilliant young Pogba seemed to have the confidence in his own innate talent to succeed anyway, regardless of the Premier League club’s input, and it proved the right decision.

Now two Scudetti and a highly successful World Cup later, he is earning big money, has a guaranteed first team place and the potential to join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic et al as one of the world’s biggest talents.

For the present the exhilarating midfielder appears very happy working and living in Turin and feels he can only become a better player if he stays where he is: “I am happy at Juventus. I have already told you that.”

Yet his agent Mino Raiola offered this just before his extension: “We are very happy and Juventus stated they don’t want to sell him. He knows he can stay at Juve and be happy here, but in football you can never say never.”

Of course being the sort of voracious agent that he is, he has to put in a rider, but Bianconeri fans hope that any move is some way in the future. Yet the facts are that the extension and wage rise indicate his star and his value are on the up, no doubt just as his ambition is.

Juve now need to walk a fine line, a balancing act to make sure they appear in the final stages of the Champions league to fulfil Pogba’s and their fans wishes. And as indications from the start to their European campaign this term have shown, that may only be possible by bringing in new players. If they need to sell to raise funds for such investment, there are only one or two players who can fetch really big money and we all know who they are…

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba salary could reach €6.5m

Nov 3, 2014

Paul Pogba could become the highest paid player in Serie A if he stays with Juventus for the next three years, it has been reported.

The France international recently signed a new contract with the Bianconeri which runs until 2019, with his salary seen as rising to €4.5m per year from €1.5m.

However, La Stampa - owned by the Agnelli family which also controls Juventus - reports that in addition to the aforementioned increase, Pogba’s salary will rise for every year he remains in Turin.

The newspaper states that should Pogba stay for the next three seasons and reach a certain number of appearances, the former Manchester United midfielder will see his wage rise to €6.5m.

As things stand, that figure would see the 21-year-old match Daniele De Rossi as the highest paid player in Serie A.

[Socrates 8296]

Pogba: 'I want long Juve career'

Nov 23, 2014

Paul Pogba shrugged off Real Madrid transfer speculation to insist “I am happy at Juventus and hope to stay for a long time.”

The 21-year-old French midfielder bagged a brace in last night’s 3-0 victory away to Lazio, which restored Juve’s three-point lead at the top of the table.

“This was my best game of the season and I hope to continue like this,” he told reporters after the game.

“I just want to learn and improve so that I can become the best one day.”

Pogba has been repeatedly linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Manchester City and even a return to Manchester United.

“Real Madrid are a great club, but I am very happy at Juve and want to continue these performances. I hope to stay here for a long time. It’s flattering to hear so much transfer speculation, but I play for Juve and I am happy to wear the Bianconeri jersey.

“Why did Manchester United let me go? You’d have to ask them. I was a free agent and I chose to come here, now I am happy.

“Everyone in the locker room treats me like a little brother and I kid around with everyone. Gigi Buffon told me something before kick-off that I cannot repeat in front of the cameras!”

The attention now turns to Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Malmoe.

“We have a great team and can go far in this competition. We must remain concentrated and continue to work the way we did against Lazio.”