Paul Pogba

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: I'm happy at Juve

Oct 15, 2013

Paul Pogba has insisted that he is committed to Juventus, despite rumours that he could leave the club in the summer.

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President Andrea Agnelli admitted last week that the club would not be able to turn down a huge bid for the French youngster.

As such, the rumour-mill has gone into overdrive with varying reports linking the midfielder with everyone from Paris Saint-Germain to Arsenal.

“PSG? I don’t know about that,” he told Le Parisien. “I am happy at Juventus. I have already told you that.

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“Words of a potential sale don’t bother me. At the moment, I’m with the national team and only want to talk about that.

“Once I’m back in Turin I’ll comment. I just take care of what happens on the pitch, [agent] Mino Raiola takes care of the rest.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba set for extension talks

Oct 16, 2013

Juventus are soon expected to hold talks with the agent of Paul Pogba in an effort to extend his contract.

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The Frenchman, signed in the summer of 2012 when his deal at Manchester United expired, is tied to the club until June 2016.

However, the Old Lady are ready to reward the player for his progression in Turin with a new improved agreement.

French international Pogba, according to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport’s annual salary charts, currently nets €1m a season.

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The 20-year-old’s representative, Mino Raiola, will reportedly meet with officials towards the end of this month or at the start of November.

Pogba has played in all seven of Juventus’ League games so far this season, scoring one goal in 605 minutes of action.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: I'll wait for France chance

The 20-year-old has been recently getting a run in les Bleus' first time
but says it is up to Didier Deschamps on whether that continues.

Oct 16, 2013

Paul Pogba says he is willing to wait for his chance with France's first team.

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The 20-year-old midfielder has featured intermittently for the national team under Didier Deschamps following impressive performances at club level with Juventus.

And Pogba, who has played in les Bleus' last three games, is aware that he may have to accept being rotated but is determined to take his chance when he gets it.

"It depends on the coach. When I'm on the pitch I give 100 per cent," he told L'Equipe.

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"I don't want to deceive the French staff or my team-mates. I feel like a France player. If I have to be on the bench, I'll be there and I'll be ready to play."

Meanwhile, talks between Pogba and Juventus over a new deal could well happen over the next few weeks, according to reports circulating in Italy on Wednesday.

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Mino Raiola, Pogba's agent, is due to meet with representatives of the Bianconeri at the end of this month despite Juve president Andrea Agnelli recently admitting it would be hard to turn down a good offer for the midfielder.

Pogba's current contract expires in June 2016.

[Socrates 8295]

The Sweeper: Manchester City monitoring Pogba latest

Mino Raiola is chasing a bumper deal for the Frenchman.

Oct 20, 2013

Manchester City are keeping serious tabs on former Manchester United starlet Paul Pogba at Juventus.

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The Frenchman's agent, Mino Raiola, is pushing the Italians for a significant new deal to reflect his growing stature at the club, with only two years left on his present package worth £900,000-a-year.

Sources close to the Italian club have indicated that they are confident of tying Pogba down, with the promise of making him the club's central midfield fulcrum for the long-term future. Andrea Pirlo, those close to the club say, is set to be released at the end of the season.

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However, City are keeping a close eye on the 20-year-old's situation, with the youngster's hero, Patrick Vieira, having scouted him heavily when he was at Old Trafford. Pogba had cold feet about making a direct switch to City at the time due to his time spent in the red half of the City.

City remain close to Raiola following their dealings with the agent during Mario Balotelli's City career, and are keen to be at the front of the queue should his negotiations with the Turin outfit break down.

[Socrates 8295]

Vidal & Pobga to sign deals soon?

Oct 21, 2013

Reports in the Italian Press suggest that Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal could be on the verge of signing new Juventus deals.

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Renowned journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola will meet with the Bianconeri hierarchy within seven days to sit down and discuss an extension.

The news comes in the wake of comments made by President Andrea Agnelli, who admitted that the club would not be able to turn down a big offer for the France international.

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Vidal meanwhile is also close to renewal, and is set to earn €4m per season.

[Socrates 8295]

PSG to switch Verratti for Pogba?

Oct 29, 2013

Paris Saint-Germain could be targeting a move for Paul Pogba, and may use Marco Verratti as a potential sweetener, according to reports.

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Tuttosport have claimed that the French side are desperate to sign the Juventus midfielder, despite the 20-year-old expected to sign a new four-year contract with the Bianconeri.

That new deal will not put Laurent Blanc’s men off though, and could offer Verratti in return for the former Manchester United man.

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President Andrea Agnelli recently admitted that the club would not be able to turn down a huge offer for Pogba, and getting the Italy international in return for the Bleus youngster may be too good to refuse.

[Socrates 8295]

Juventus confirm Pogba will extend

Oct 31, 2013

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta says the club will tighten their grip on Paul Pogba, while he’s delighted with the outfit’s Golden Ball nominations.

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The French youngster, still just 20, has been linked with a possible move away from Turin after a recent admission from President Andrea Agnelli.

“Pogba is happy at Juventus and he has no intention of leaving,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“We will soon meet with the Frenchman’s agents to extend our agreement and, at the same time, give him a pay rise for the growth he has shown.”

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Pogba, who is in his second Turin campaign, is currently committed to the Old Lady until 2016.

“If a huge offer arrived for Pogba then I don’t think, right now, we would be strong enough to resist it,” Agnelli told reporters earlier this month.

“If I was to judge it from a footballers' point of view, Italy is no longer the final destination but a transit destination.

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“I am trying to think what will be of us in two or three years' time if we get a massive offer for one of the best talents we have today in Pogba.”

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, it was confirmed that Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Conte were on the Ballon d’Or shortlists for Player and Coach of the Year.

“We are proud,” Marotta added. “We re-launched Pirlo and that fills us with joy.

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“As for Antonio, he is a young Coach, an emerging one and the fact he is included is a motive of honour for all of us.

“The omission of Arturo Vidal? The only player nomination from Serie A is our playmaker, so this shows the selection was very rigid.”

[Socrates 8295]

London duo to offer for Pogba

Nov 1, 2013

Reports in the British Press this evening suggest that Arsenal and Chelsea could test Juventus’ mettle over Paul Pogba.

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President Andrea Agnelli admitted that the club would have to listen to any big offers that came in for the France international.

And the Daily Express have claimed that the Premier League sides may table bids of €45m for the 20-year-old in January.

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The Bianconeri are in the process of offering Pogba a new deal with the side, but that won’t stop the London teams trying to lure the midfielder back to the Premier League.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: 'First touch was wrong...'

Nov 10, 2013

Paul Pogba admits his stunning volley against Napoli started with a mistake. “I actually got the first touch wrong.”

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The 20-year-old Juventus midfielder flicked up the ball and then smashed a volley in off the upright from 23 metres out.

“I am very happy to have scored against Napoli again, as it reminded me of my first goal in Serie A,” Pogba told Sky Sport Italia.

“I actually got the first touch wrong, but it went well afterwards! It could’ve ended up in the stands, but all the players told me to shoot because I’m good from distance, so I try to give it a go.

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“If the ball lands in among the fans, then that’s fine, but I will keep trying and see where it ends up. It was measured at 101km/h? I’m surprised!”

The Bianconeri swept Napoli aside 3-0 in this top of the table showdown and are now within a point of Roma.

“It’s a good result for us and we have to focus on what we do first of all, then what the other teams do.

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“I don’t know whether Napoli are the strongest team we’ve met so far. Obviously playing at home is different, but Napoli are very strong and it is always difficult to play against teams like that.

“The Coach lets me play in a more advanced role, as I can be more dangerous and I’m also tall, so useful in the air.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba agent set for €1.5m windfall

Nov 11, 2013

Juventus will pay Paul Pogba’s agent €1.5m should the youngster sign a new contract with the club, according to reports.

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La Stampa have claimed that the Bianconeri are set to offer Mino Raiola a huge pay day if the France international signs an extension.

Pogba’s contract renewal has been one of the main talking points in the board room over recent months, with reports suggesting that Real Madrid could table a bid for the former Manchester United man.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: 'Juve sped up my career'

Nov 12, 2013

Paul Pogba thanked Juventus for helping to speed up his career. “The Coach has faith in me and I feel at ease.”

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He left Manchester United on a free transfer when complaining Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t give him enough playing time, but has quickly become a Bianconeri mainstay.

“Have Juventus helped me save time in my career? I’d say so, as I am 20 years old and have already played in the Champions League, which isn’t to be sniffed at,” he told L’Equipe.

“The Coach has faith in me and I feel at ease on the pitch.”

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Pogba is also called up for France’s World Cup play-off against Ukraine.

“Now we prepare for the next game and hope to achieve qualification for the World Cup. I will try to do my best and believe the Coach called me so that I can give a more attacking contribution to the team.

“With Juventus I play in a more forward role compared to the Bleus, but it is not a problem for me to play in a deeper position. I can do both roles.”

[Socrates 8295]

Raiola: 'Pogba best in the world'

Nov 15, 2013

Agent Mino Raiola claims Paul Pogba is “the best player in the world at his age and is like a Monet painting.”

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He is already a regular for Juventus and France at the age of 20 and started the World Cup play-off against Ukraine this evening.

“Paul is growing, though he has already done great things and his strength is that he thinks only about improving in the future,” Raiola told Sky Sport Italia.

“Pogba is the best player in the world at his age. Zlatan Ibrahimovic teaches us that you can do better even at the age of 32, so imagine how much joy Pogba can still give us.”

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Raiola famously said another of his clients, Mario Balotelli, was like “the Mona Lisa,” so he continued the art theme.

“I am not worried by how much Pogba is worth. He’s like a Monet painting now, as it doesn’t matter what happens in the World Cup, his worth is already clear for all to see.

“Great works of art are not sold at auction, as they are already in the hands of collectors and they’ll keep hold of them unless there is the desire to sell.”

[Socrates 8295]

Manchester City made a 'mistake' by not signing Pogba, says Vieira

The World Cup-winning midfielder, who played for both City and Juventus, believes the Etihad
Stadium outfit missed a trick by not recruiting the "extraordinary" 20-year-old.

Nov 19, 2013

Manchester City reserve team manager Patrick Vieira has labelled the club's failure to sign French midfielder Paul Pogba a "mistake".

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The 20-year-old left rivals Manchester United on a free transfer in 2012, joining Serie A champions Juventus where he scored five goals in his maiden campaign en route to the Scudetto.

And Vieira, who noted the similarities between himself and the Blues youngster, says he regrets City's failure to lure his "extraordinary" countryman to the Etihad Stadium.

"Many people say he is like I was. I think he is more offensive than me and perhaps better technically," Vieira told L'Equipe. "He is a player that I really like.

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"I saw him play for Manchester United. That Manchester City did not take him when he left was a mistake because he is an extraordinary player."

Pogba was on the losing side as France suffered a 2-0 defeat to Ukraine in their World Cup play-off first leg and Vieira has urged the players to step up.

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"In the French team, we have the players. These players must have a structure that allows them to grow," the former Arsenal midfielder continued.

"They must feel that the France team is as important, if not more important, than the club. This is not the case right now."

[Socrates 8295]

Paul Pogba Tactical Focus:
Why Juventus Star Is Already a Complete Midfielder

Nov 19, 2013

Paul Pogba has long been talked about as one of the most prominent prospects in world football, and now he's finally starting to realise some of his incredible potential.

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He was the source of much controversy in 2009 as Manchester United poached him from Le Havre's famed academy, and already then there were suggestions he could become one of the best in the world.

Instead of exposing him to the limelight of professional football, Sir Alex Ferguson tucked the then-16-year-old into the reserves to allow him to grow in his own time.

He moved through the gears quickly—perhaps too quickly—and in 2012 became frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities. He seized his chance to leave at the end of his contract, selecting Juventus from reams and reams of suitors; his talent was still abundantly obvious.

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Since moving to Turin he's flourished, and Antonio Conte has given the Frenchman what Sir Alex failed to: legitimate game time and an opportunity to win a place in the first XI.

The 20-year-old we see before us is making gargantuan strides that live up to his on-field nickname (Paul the Octopus), and it seems just a matter of time before he cements his status as a world-class player.

What makes Il Polpo Paul so special?

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Physical and Mental Marvel

We often talk about success as if it's easy to attain, then subsequently lament players who may have been "born in the wrong era" and suggest that's the prime barrier to certain individuals' progression.

Andy Carroll is an example of that, as for every part of him that replicates the battering ram figure of Duncan Ferguson, there's a part of him that clearly doesn't fit in today's possession-oriented game. Ganso could be considered another.

There are also players who are born in the right era, and that's certainly been the case when it comes to Pogba's rapid ascension to Juventus' first XI.

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We're beginning to see more and more formations geared toward allowing physically excellent players to showcase their strengths. Conte's Bianconeri is a prime example, with both his 4-3-3 and his 3-5-2 systems requiring vertical drive and aggressive movements from deep.

Kwadwo Asamoah was an attacking midfielder once, but now he's a fully converted left wing-back, playing in a position that allows him to use his incredible engine and vertical style to great effect.

He, Mauricio Isla, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal are just four of many players on the books in Turin who couldn't ask for a better tactical fit. Pogba, a physical marvel, is in the same boat.

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At just 20 he towers over most midfielders, outmuscles half of them and outthinks the rest. He's supremely confident in his own ability, and that allows him to play an expressive game without the fear of making mistakes.

There's every chance that, when fully developed at 25, he'll be unmatched as a midfield engine, capable of dominating everyone in his path. His first-half performance against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League gave us a frightening glimpse of what he's capable of (even now) against the elite teams in world football.

There are few more complete players in world football even at this stage in his career, and he's shown the ability to take on almost any midfield role. It's just another thing that makes him such a precocious talent, and we'll examine him in a few of these roles here.

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Pogba as a Regista

At the end of September 2013, Juventus were handed the small matter of the Turin derby away from home.

Andrea Pirlo was dropped to the bench in favour of a Claudio Marchisio-Vidal-Pogba midfield, with the latter in the famous "regista" role Pirlo has made his own over the last decade and a bit.

The regista will control everything from deep in midfield, dictate tempo and fire off inch-perfect passes to every corner of the pitch. He's the heartbeat of the side, and if he doesn't play well, the entire team will struggle.

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To put Pogba, at 20, in this role in the bitter Derby della Molle was some sign of faith from Conte, and the Frenchman went on to display his obvious strengths and talents throughout.

He ended up scoring the sole goal of the game, a headed winner, but it was his performance throughout that impressed more. His passing isn't on the same level as Pirlo, but the confidence exuded in controlling proceedings was astonishing.

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He sat in front of the defensive line, fired off vertical passes and provided an excellent shield for Giorgio Chiellini and co. Pirlo is an underrated tackler, but Pogba trumps him even at this stage; he has the mobility and footballing IQ to sense danger early and quell it, allowing La Vecchia Signora to build sustained periods of pressure.

Pogba finished the game with one goal, one interception, six tackles and 63 touches of the ball, according to WhoScored.com.

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Pogba as a Shuttler

It's not in Conte's remit to exclude Pirlo at this stage, but there is an obvious intent to marginalise his importance to the side given the fact his contract expires at the end of the current season.

Whether that means grooming Pogba to be Juve's next full-time regista, bringing back Luca Marrone or changing the style, we can't say just yet, but it would be foolish not to utilise Pirlo's excellence for one final campaign.

That's meant Pogba and Pirlo on the pitch together plenty of times already this season, with the former moving into a box-to-box (or "shuttling") role while the latter resumes his mantle as chief playmaker.

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Opinion will be divided, but this is the role we believe to be his best: a box-to-box responsibility that allows him to extend those long loping legs and utilise his powerful frame in one-v-one situations.

His dribbling is getting stronger, he's winning more take-ons and he's lethal when he spots a pocket of space to leap into. That said, he doesn't neglect his positional duties either, and his work rate for both Juve and France remains extremely high.

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The 3-0 victory over Napoli, in which he scored a spectacular third, is perhaps the flagship game of his career so far, as with Pirlo pulling the strings from deep, Pogba was able to dart into space from a defensive position and force the Partenopei onto the back foot.

He can do it from deep and run straight at you—which is terrifying—or in advanced positions to craft shooting opportunities. His strike that beat Pepe Reina against Napoli was beyond sublime.

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Looking Forward

It appears Conte is giving serious thought toward a full-time switch to a 4-3-3 formation, abandoning the 3-5-2 but for the odd occasion.

The latter system has failed miserably in the Champions League (where the club is bottom of Group B with two matchdays remaining), and Juve will soon be at a stage whereby deep runs in that competition will be required to keep Pogba at the club.

Either one suits Pogba down to ground; such is his incredible versatility and status as a near-complete midfielder. He can pass, shoot, dribble, tackle, intercept and head; he can do everything there is to do already.

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His best form appears to come in a box-to-box role, and there are legitimate fears that grooming the Frenchman as a regista will waste his incredible athleticism and surging ability.

For him to reach the top of the game he needs to be unleashed, and Conte needs to make some vital decisions this summer when it comes to how his XI will shape up.

Pogba will excel regardless, and it's a matter of whether he becomes a great player or one of the best this game has ever seen. Conte's use of him, even at this stage, will impact his eventual fate.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba thanks Conte for WC place

Nov 20, 2013

Paul Pogba has conceded that without Antonio Conte, he would not be going to the World Cup next summer.

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The Bianconeri youngster played in France’s 3-0 win over Ukraine on Tuesday, that saw them progress to Brazil 2014.

And the former Manchester United man has admitted that it’s the Old Lady Coach who has got him into the national team.

“It was a good game and a good performance from the whole team,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

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“It’s a dream for me. I am very happy. I can’t wait to go to Brazil.

“I think that without Juve I would not be here with France. Conte trusted me – he put me on the pitch and gave me the time to play well.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba can become a great, says Conte

The Bianconeri boss has hailed both the Frenchman's work ethic and ability,
saying that coming to Turin has helped the youngster realise his full potential.

Nov 23, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte believes that Paul Pogba has both the requisite mentality and talent to become "a great player".

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The France midfielder saluted the former Siena boss' influence on his career after helping his country secure World Cup qualification during the week, but Conte believes the 20-year-old's rise is all down to his own hard work.

"First of all, Paul needs to thank himself for deciding to follow a path that has brought him to Juventus," the Bianconeri boss told reporters.

"He joined a team with role models to learn from and we as a club always try to support him as much as we can. He’s got the qualities required to become a great player, and the desire to do so is fundamental.

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"When I was younger I saw plenty of players potentially better than me end up playing amateur football - while I managed to stay here for 13 years.

"The right mentality is required along with talent. Paul’s got both."

[Socrates 8295]

Raiola key in Pogba/PSG deal?

Nov 27, 2013

Press reports this afternoon have suggested that Paris Saint-Germain will hope to make the most of their connections to sign Paul Pogba.

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The French champions have a good working relationship with the youngster’s agent Mino Raiola, and according to Quotidiano Sportivo, will look to exploit that, and persuade the representative to bring his client to Paris.

The Juventus man has been heavily linked with a move to Les Parisiens in recent months, but the paper believes that Antonio Conte’s side will try to tie Pogba to a new deal before January, with an increased minimum fee release clause.

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President Andrea Agnelli conceded last month that it would be ‘difficult’ to keep Pogba if a huge bid came in.

[Socrates 8295]

Blanc hints at January swoop amid Pogba rumours

The 48-year-old has stated his intentions in possibly bringing in a midfielder
with the Juventus star linked with les Parisiens in recent weeks.

Nov 30, 2013

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has revealed he may look to bolster his midfield options in the January transfer window.

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The Ligue 1 champions have been strongly linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba and Blanc has now further fuelled speculation that PSG could make a move for the France international this winter, although he has insisted that he is happy with his current squad.

"We may perhaps add another element in midfield. But if I keep the same squad, I'll be very happy," Blanc said at a press conference.

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"I am very happy with my squad and I want to keep it the way it is. It's not too big, but there is a lot of quality. The competition for places is very healthy and gets the best out of the squad."

[Socrates 8295]

'2013 has been my golden year' - Pogba

The France international is keen to build on a year of great personal success
by winning a second Scudetto - but remained quiet over talk of a new contract.

Dec 4, 2013

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has described 2013 as his "golden year" but says he is targeting even more success with the club in the future.

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The Frenchman broke into the Bianconeri set-up as they romped to the Scudetto and was key to his country's Under-20 World Cup success in the summer.

Those efforts mean he is now a regular in the senior setup with France and with the calendar year coming to an end, the former Manchester United man looked back over the past 12 months with pride.

"I won the league title in my first season here and got as far as the quarter-finals of the Champions League," Pogba, 20, said to Tuttosport.

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"I won the Under-20 World Cup title with France and was promoted by coach Didier Deschamps into the main team. This really has been my golden year and I hope that 2014 is the same.

"I would like to win it all with Juve, but you have to consider your opponents, who can be more aggressive than ever.

"Dreaming is not forbidden, but if I was being down to earth then I want a third Scudetto in a row for Juventus, and the second in a row for me - that is the main objective.

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"In the Champions League, realistically, we're aiming to progress and to do better than last year. We will try with all our strength."

There are rumours in Italy that Pogba will soon sign a new deal with the Turin club, like Arturo Vidal did on Tuesday, but he has insisted that he is in the dark regarding contract talks.

"I have no news about my future," he added. "I signed a deal with Juventus until 2015 and I can only give you all the best of myself to the team for which they are registered.

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"You have to ask the president, the coach or my agent [Mino Raiola]."

With Andrea Pirlo sidelined indefinitely with knee ligament damage, Pogba is likely to feature prominently in the coming weeks, with Bologna next up for Juve on Friday.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba beats Lukaku & Varane to Golden Boy award

The award, handed out to the best player under the age of 21 on an annual basis,
was given to the Juventus midfielder ahead of a host of top youngsters.

Dec 4, 2013

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has won the 2013 Golden Boy award on the back of his breakthrough season for club and country.

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The 20-year-old was languishing on the bench at Manchester United a year and a half ago, but a move to Turin has seen him play a part in the side winning the Scudetto, break into the senior France team and win the Under-20 World Cup.


FORMER GOLDEN BOY WINNERS

LIONEL MESSI - 2005 - The third winner of the award, the Barcelona attacker was already making waves eight years ago. Although he was not yet the finished product, his raw talent was obvious for all to see.

ANDERSON - 2008 - The best example of a Golden Boy winner who has not lived up to his hype. Tuttosport, who established the award, suggested that the Manchester United midfielder could be "the heir to Roy Keane".

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MARIO BALOTELLI - 2010 - Balotelli won the award while at Manchester City but he failed to shine consistently and since joined AC Milan, where he has shown more regular glimpses of his ability.

MARIO GOTZE - 2011 - The attacker was the first - and still only - Bundesliga victor for being key to Dortmund's league success. He has since joined rivals Bayern Munich for €37 million.

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Pogba's performances and achievements in 2013 saw him pip striker Romelu Lukaku - who finished second - to the award, which judges the best player in the world under the age of 21 and is voted for by 30 newspapers around the world.

The Chelsea striker has shone during loan spells at West Brom and now Everton, as well as helping Belgium reach the World Cup finals as a seeded nation.

Schalke youngster Julian Draxler - linked with a mega-money move to the Premier League regularly this year - finished third, ahead of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane and Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Marquinhos.

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Three Arsenal entrants made the top 25 (Yaya Sanogo in sixth, Serge Gnabry in 16th and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain in 24th) while Man Utd's Adnan Januzaj is the highest-ranked 18-year-old in seventh.

No Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund players made the shortlist.

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Pogba - the first Frenchman to win the Golden Boy - spoke after being given the award about his "golden year" and said he wants to win everything possible under Antonio Conte.

Last year's winner of the 11-year-old prize was attacking midfielder Isco, who has since left Malaga for Real Madrid.

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba: 2013 was a golden year!

Dec 4, 2013

Paul Pogba has been awarded the Golden Boy award for the best under-21 footballer in Europe.

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The Juventus midfielder joins the likes of Isco, Mario Gotze and Mario Balotelli, and the France international has admitted that he is ‘flattered’ to have been given the honour.

“I’m flattered and proud to receive this prestigious trophy,” he told Tuttosport.

“Having won the League for the first time, got as far as the quarter-finals in the Champions League, won the Under-20 World Cup with France and been promoted to the first team by Coach Deschamps, 2013 really was a golden year for me.

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“I just hope that 2014 is the same!

“One day I would like to win everything there is to win. Dreaming is not illegal. However, I’m a down-to-earth guy, and right now I want to win a third title in a row for Juventus.

“The Champions League? We want to progress [to the knockout stages and do better]. But we will try with all our might to win it.

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“I have no news about [a contract extension]. I signed with Juve until 2015. I am focused on playing well now, I don’t worry about tomorrow.

“You’ll have to ask the President, the Coach and my agent about that.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba 'can win Ballon d'Or'

Dec 4, 2013

Juventus director Beppe Marotta is confident Paul Pogba “will win the Ballon d’Or one day and I hope we can achieve great things together.”

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The 20-year-old was given the Golden Boy 2013 award by Tuttosport newspaper as the most promising young player of the year.

“I am proud that Pogba is part of Juventus. This was a marriage in which we chose each other,” declared Marotta at the presentation.

“Now we cannot just say he is a promising star, for he is already an authentic champion. Courage is one of his best characteristics, despite his young age, while I also want to point out his intelligence and hard work.

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“In future he will certainly be able to win the Ballon d’Or and I hope we can achieve great things together.”

Pogba also spoke at the event and revealed initial difficulties settling in at Juventus.

“Football is my life and it is all still like an incredible dream for me. Of course I’d love to win the Ballon d’Or, but there’s a long of work to go before I can achieve that objective.

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“I thank my family and friends, who were with me when times were tough. I also thank Juventus, Manchester United and all my Coaches.

“It wasn’t easy when I arrived here, but I have so much still to learn from a champion like Andrea Pirlo. Tactically and technically, I want to follow in his footsteps. Who would I give the Italian Ballon d’Or to? Pirlo, certainly.

“Carlos Tevez is a great guy who really makes me laugh too.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba’s attitude encourages Conte

Dec 5, 2013

Antonio Conte has praised Paul Pogba for his response to picking up the 2013 Golden Boy, and commented on Juventus’ young supporters earning a fine.

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The Old Lady’s young Frenchman was yesterday announced as the recipient of Tuttosport’s annual award, which recognises the best Under-21 footballer of the past 12 months in Europe.

“For Paul, I am very happy that he has received this award,” Conte has considered to reporters at today’s Press conference ahead of playing Bologna tomorrow.

“But I am even more please that he has expressed himself in that way, saying that he will not settle for that award and that he wants to aim for a much more prestigious award.

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“This must not been seen as an act of cheek on the part of the guy, but as an act of awareness for what he has. Then from there, to continue to improve, to become one of the best players in the world, that is a nice way to go. In this sense there is a lot of work, but there are many lessons for him.

“And above all, for his part, there must be the right mentality, the head that is there now, because he does not forget that he came from Manchester where he played in the youth team and in the first team when we saw him through binoculars.

“Today, in the space of a year-and-a-half, he has grown in exciting ways, so impressively, and so much of the credit goes to him for making himself available.

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“I also think that we deserve some of the credit, and when I talk about ‘I’, I speak of the technical staff, the club who believed in him, that have had the opportunity to work to try to improve this guy.

“But as I have said before, he is always wanting to continue to grow. He has the potential to do so. The important thing is that, as I always say, his head is down and he pedals.

“By the time you are halfway through looking around, perhaps there is someone who overtakes you.”

[Socrates 8295]

Pogba a future Ballon d'Or winner, says Marotta

The Bianconeri chief is confident that the young midfielder
is destined to become one of the best in the world.

Dec 5, 2013

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta believes that Paul Pogba has the potential to win the Fifa Ballon d'Or at some point in the future.

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The France international, 20, won the 2013 Golden Boy award earlier this week ahead of players such as Romelu Lukaku and Julian Draxler and Marotta thinks Pogba will only get better in the years to come.

"I have no doubt that Pogba has what it takes to win the Ballon d'Or in the future. I hope we will achieve great things together," Marotta told reporters.

"We are all proud that Pogba is part of Juventus. We chose each other and it has turned out to be a happy marriage.

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"He is no longer a future star, but he is already a great champion. He stands out for his courage, hard work and intelligence on the pitch, despite his young age."

Pogba joined Juventus from Manchester United in the summer of 2012 and has since made over 50 official appearances for the Serie A champions.

[Socrates 8295]

Did Roma reject Pogba?

Dec 6, 2013

There are reports Roma turned down the opportunity to sign Juventus star Paul Pogba on a free transfer.

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The midfielder is only 20 years old, but already a regular first choice for both club and country.

He was snapped up on a Bosman when his contract with Manchester United expired in June 2011 and Juve convinced him to join them.

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According to Retesport, agent Mino Raiola had first offered Pogba’s services to Roma, but they were not interested in signing the teenager.

If true, it would be a huge regret for the Giallorossi.