Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has named the two toughest opponents he’s faced throughout his professional career in an interview for his club’s official matchday programme.
The Frenchman was quizzed on a range of topics, including the best finishers at the club, his take on the Messi v Ronaldo debate, and the toughest players he has played against.
On the latter topic, he chose one of his World Cup-winning compatriots.
Pogba explained: “My toughest opponent on the pitch? To be honest, it’s tough against N’Golo Kante.”
Pogba and Kante were part of the France side that won their second World Cup in Russia in 2018, forming a vital partnership on midfield.
They are on opposing sides at club level, of course, with Kante having played for Chelsea since 2016.
The Blues take on Real Madrid in their Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday night, with the scores level at 1-1.
Pogba chooses Real stalwart
And Pogba’s second toughest opponent is a member of the Real side that has won three of the last five Champions League titles contested – Casemiro.
“Casemiro too, he is a hard one also,” Pogba said.
The Brazilian scored against United in Real’s 2-1 victory in the UEFA Super Cup in 2017.
That matchup came as a result of United’s triumph in the 2016/17 Europa League – Pogba’s first domestic European trophy at professional level.
Big praise for Greenwood
The 28-year-old hailed youngster Mason Greenwood as the best finisher at the club, along with Edinson Cavani.
“The best finisher, I think it’s Mason,” Pogba revealed. “Yeah, Mason, I would say.”
“And Edi. Yeah, Mason with the feet and Edi with his head.”
On Messi and Ronaldo
Pogba refused to be drawn into the age-old debate, instead paying tribute to both names.
“It’s a nice but tricky question, as there is no best for me, he replied diplomatically. “Two different players.
“They are two players who both bring joy to watch. Any people are going to have their own opinion of them, just two legends.
“Me, I would just say they are two legends and not one is better than the other one.
“Just two people that give us football players, or football lovers, joy to watch.”
The Frenchman has the opportunity to add a second Europa League winners’ medal to his collection this campaign, with United currently contesting the semi-final against AS Roma.
The Red Devils lead 6-2 from the first leg at Old Trafford. They were 2-1 behind after Edin Dzeko gave Roma the lead in the first half, but hit back with five second half goals.
Pogba scored the fifth goal on the night in heading Bruno Fernandes’s cross into the bottom left corner.
The second leg of the semi-final takes place at Stadio Olimpico on Thursday.
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