Keane and Neville blame Pogba for France’s exit to Euro 2020

[ad_1]

Paul Pogba was criticized by Manchester United pair Gary Neville and Roy Keane as France were knocked out of Euro 2020 by Switzerland.

The French were beaten on penalties in the round of 16 on Monday night, in an incredible match to close a magnificent day of football.

France led 1-0 at halftime, fought back to lead 3-1 with 10 minutes left, before Switzerland scored a quick brace to bring the game on penalties.

F365 says: Deschamps faffing causes the fall of France

And Yann Sommer superbly saved Kylian Mbappe’s shot on goal to eliminate the favorites and world champions.

Karim Benzema scored twice for France before Pogba’s superb curled effort gave them a two-goal lead.

The United midfielder was excellent on the front foot in general, with his magnificent range of passes in plain sight.

But Keane and Neville both say they are “frustrated” by his display and said he took too many “risks” on the ball with France controlling the game.

Neville told ITV: We saw the best and the worst of him in the second half.

It’s the best of it, a world class strike. Brilliant.

At this point in the game he had played a great pass just before that, he was starting to come into the game, combining, he was leading the game.

When your team is on top, it is absolutely exceptional.

Neville also added: He takes risks with the ball, but you want those risks to be in the last third, not the defensive third, and they’re counterattacked.

Meanwhile, Keane added: It can be frustrating. It’s all part of the character of Paul, which people love to see, but then I would look at the goal they conceded in added time, where he was sloppy in midfield. This is the bit that I would be really critical of.

Sounds tough because he did some brilliant stuff tonight. There is no doubt about the quality of Paul, just the other side, maybe his maturity.

We mentioned all night, and United had the same problem, can they play in a midfield two? He probably can’t, doesn’t have the discipline.

He was at his best at Juventus when he probably had a little more freedom and was surrounded by more men, more characters, probably better quality players.

But even today, it still leaves you frustrated. Despite all his brilliant quality to come, I still think he lacks this discipline defensively.

That’s the key, the best players manage to do it week after week and Paul, for me, still doesn’t.

Legendary French midfielder Patrick Vieira agreed with Keane and Neville, saying Pogba needs to be pushed harder to really reach his potential, instead of showing off.

“I totally agree,” added the former Arsenal skipper. “When you look at his potential, what he can do on the pitch, you expect more from him.

I think if he played next to Roy he might be a different player because what he needs is someone behind his back to put pressure on him and be really demanding of him.

I think if we had been consistent, behind him and put under pressure every day, he would improve.

But obviously it’s frustrating because he can give a lot more than what he gives to the team.

[ad_2]