Pogba more talented than France ’98 generation – Desailly

Marcel Desailly believes that Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba would get into the France team that won the 1998 World Cup.

The Red Devil, however, has failed to convince everyone of his talents and was recently booed during France’s 3-1 friendly victory over Italy in Nice, though he was subsequently defended by his team-mates and prompted a frustrated response from the man himself.

Nevertheless, Desailly, who was a member of the squad that defeated Brazil 3-0 in Paris, believes that the man who was once the world’s most expensive player would have been capable of slotting into such illustrious company.

“He’s more talented than any midfielder of my generation,” ex-Chelsea defender Desailly told Goal.

Such treatment is not foreign to Pogba, though Desailly believes there is too much pressure placed on his shoulders, and he suggested that someone else needs to step forward and share the burden.

“He’s had this pressure around him and his performances for a long time,” the former defender said. “Everyone knows about his extraordinary potential but I think we’re asking too much of him.

“He can make the difference but other players have to assume the role of leaders, too.”

France head to Russia to face Australia, Peru and Denmark in the group stage as they aim for a second World Cup victory.

Les Bleus signed off their preparations with an unconvincing 1-1 draw against the USA in Lyon last weekend, but prior to that they had beaten both Ireland and Italy, with Pogba starting the latter of those two matches.

He has 54 caps to his name and has scored for his country on nine occasions.