The 2022/23 summer transfer window introduced football fans to episode 2 of #Pogback, as Paul Pogba joined Juventus on a free transfer from Manchester United. Again.
The midfielder signed for the Red Devils for a record fee after leaving them to join Juventus on a free. The French midfielder was never able to reach his full potential at United, and a lot of people are still wondering where most of the blame for that lies. However, that chapter of his life is over — at least for now — and Pogba is back in Serie A with Juventus, where he showed the world what he is capable of during his four seasons between 2012 and 2016.
The below visualization shows what version of Paul Pogba is arriving at Juventus this time around.
Manchester United paid £89m for Pogba and there were a good number of people at the time who thought that Pogba would be able to meet the expectations surrounding his transfer fee. Six years later, that perception has completely changed. However, the Frenchman could still be a world beater in the right environment.
The midfielder’s best season in a United shirt was the 2018/19 campaign. Pogba also missed a good chunk of games in recent seasons because of injuries. Last season, Pogba played in multiple positions but was at his absolute best when he deployed from the left side of the attacking midfielders.
The 2018 World Cup winner ranked 100th percentile for assists per 90 minutes. However, he got four assists in the opening day of the season, which could explain why he ranked so highly.
Pogba has always been criticized for his contribution on the defensive side of the game. However, he is more than capable of putting in a shift. This is pretty evident in his percentile ranks for defensive metrics from last season.
When Paul Pogba is at his best, he puts on a passing show for everybody. In fact, his vision to find his teammates between the lines and over the top is a highlight of his game.
Since first signing Pogba in 2012, the game has changed and Pogba has too. The midfielder has decided to join Juventus after taking a pay cut despite having other lucrative offers. That says all about his preference and where he wants to be. Now, it will interesting to see if the Frenchman can rock Serie A once again.
