Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has defended French midfielder Paul Pogba following criticism from some parts of the French Media.
Pogba was relegated to the substitutes bench for France's second group game with Albania after failing to reach his usual performance levels in the opening game against Romania. But Pogba played his part when he took to the pitch, providing the assist as Dmitri Payet sent France through the last 16 with a late winner.
Wenger believes the criticism given to Pogba is harsh and believes the nation should have confidence in the Juventus man.
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Speaking to French outlet Konbini.com, he said:
I find that in general the critics have been extremely hard on Pogba. We forget that he is only 23 and at that age it is difficult to be the leader of the French team. Players like Platini and Zidane were also questioned at that age. Pogba is learning the game. I have never known a player to have led the France team at the age of 23, ever.
Wenger continued, pointing that is normal for a player in Pogba's mould to go through a rough patch. He believes Les Blues should remain confident in their talisman in the next stage of the tournament.
Pogba is going through a maturing phase and he is starting to be questioned. It's a test of character in the career of a big player. He will either lose the aura that he had, or show that he is player we were waiting for. It is a normal part of the development from being a very good player to a great player. If we want to have a chance at winning the Euros, we must have confidence in Pogba.
(h/t The Guardian)
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Paul Pogba, Euro 2016, Arsene Wenger, France