Roy Keane And Patrick Vieira Agree On Damning Paul Pogba Assessment After France's Shock Euro 2020 Exit

Premier League legends Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira pulled no punches towards Paul Pogba after France's devastating Euro 2020 exit on Monday.

Kylian Mbappe's penalty was saved in the shootout at the National Arena in Bucharest, Romania, as Switzerland knocked out France in the last 16.

Switzerland stunned France in the first half thanks to Haris Seferovic's opener, but Karim Benzema's fantastic quick-fire brace put Didier Deschamps' men into the lead in the second half.

Pogba, who has been in sensational form at the Euros, was once again in his element when he fired in France's third with a stunning strike.

However, France were unable to hold on to their 3-1 lead as Seferovic and Mario Gavranovic both scored to send the round-of-16 clash into extra time.

Speaking on ITV, Keane insisted that there is "no doubt in Paul's quality" and praised his "brilliant quality going forward."

But the Manchester United legend admitted it was still frustrating to watch Pogba against Switzerland, saying that he "lacked discipline defensively."

Keane explained: "No doubt it would be frustrating [to play with Pogba], but this is all part of Paul's character that people love to see and it's great.

"But then I'd be looking at the goal they conceded in injury time when he was sloppy in midfield, that's the bit I'd be really critical.

"It seems harsh because he's done some brilliant stuff going forward today, there's no doubt in Paul's quality, it's just the other side, maybe his maturity.

"United have had these problems. Can he play in a two midfield? He probably can't, he hasn't got the discipline.

"Even today he leaves you frustrated, even with his brilliant quality going forward he lacks that discipline defensively.

"The top players do it week in and week out and Paul doesn't quite do it."

Read More:

• Kylian Mbappe breaks silence after crucial penalty miss in France's Euro 2020 defeat to Switzerland

PA

Arsenal hero Vieira, who shared a legendary on-pitch rivalry with Keane, agreed with his fellow ITV pundit over his Pogba assessment.

The 45-year-old Frenchman claimed that Pogba could be a "different player" if he played alongside a legendary footballer like Keane.

When responding to Keane's comments, Vieira said: "I completely agree. When you look at his potential, what he can do in midfield, you expect more from him.

"If he played next to Roy, he would maybe be a different player because he needs someone on his back putting him under pressure and being demanding of him.

"It is frustrating because he can give much more than what he is giving to the team."

Switzerland's sensational win over France now sets up a quarter-final clash against Spain on 2nd July at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Topics: Paul Pogba, Patrick Vieira, Football, Euro 2020, UEFA, France, Switzerland, Roy Keane

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

@AdnanRiaz9