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Paul Pogba’s Ballon d’Or credentials have been trending following his hot and cold performances for Manchester United in the past two weeks.
The French midfielder showed his class during the Red Devils’ 3-2 comeback win over rivals Manchester City, scoring twice to bring the game to 2-2 before Chris Smalling added what proved to be the winner.
However, Pogba once again highlighted his inconsistent self with a drab performance a week later as Jose Mourinho’s men lost 1-0 at home to West Bromwich Albion. The 25-year-old has largely been the subject of criticism due to his inability to deliver every week.
But can he be blamed?
At 20, he was tipped by many football legends and pundits alike to go on and win the Ballon d’Or in the future. And, in truth, it is not too late for the Manchester United midfielder to go on and achieve that feat, although it will require a lot more effort from him.
Here are four reasons why Pogba can still win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award:
#4 He’s young and will definitely improve
The weight of expectation on Paul Pogba's shoulders is so massive that people often tend to forget that he is just 25-years-old. The France midfielder appears to be a victim of his own early success, which saw him claim three Italian Serie A titles, reach the Champions League final, captain the France U-20 side to World Cup glory and win the Golden Boy award, all before the age of 23.
However, he is still young and has time to develop into a world beater. Pogba’s physique makes him stand out among many midfielders, with his athleticism also an attribute that many can only dream of. The former Juventus star boasts enormous talents, which with the needed effort, could see him dominate world football for years to come.
Last week Brazil legend Ronaldinho opined that Pogba is a Ballon d’Or material, insisting the midfielder’s versatility makes him a unique player.
"He can win the Ballon d'Or, without a doubt," Ronaldinho told Canal Football Club. "I see Pogba as a friend, I don't see myself as his idol.
"He is young, talented and he has the ability to play anywhere, he can play in a free role, defensive, as a runner or attacking.
"He has the characteristics of a player who can fill any position, he can make history."
As stated by Ronaldinho, Pogba has characteristics that many players can only dream of and can definitely win the Ballon d’Or someday.
#3 Less competition after Ronaldo and Messi
There is no doubt that currently, Paul Pogba stands no chance of winning the Ballon d’Or. This is because of the existence of two superhumans, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The Real Madrid and Barcelona superstars have dominated the Ballon d’Or in the last decade, having won the prestigious award five times each.
However, the pair is nearing their end and the likes of Pogba will be the next in line to ascend to the throne. Unlike now, the competition will be less tough once Ronaldo and Messi fade off. Many may argue that there is a host of other talented young players who are ahead of Pogba in the pecking order.
But the fact is that the France midfielder has what it takes to match every other contender apart from Ronaldo and Messi. The likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Eden Hazard and Antoine Griezmann are not goal machines like Ronaldo and Messi are and they are unlikely to score 50 goals each season like the aforementioned pair.
What that means is that the race for the Ballon d’Or will return to the days where midfield players can also lay claim to the award without having to outscore attackers. If Zinedine Zidane and Ricardo Kaka could win it, then Pogba has a chance to do it going by his sheer quality.
#2 Imminent rise of Manchester United to the top of European football
For a player to win the Ballon d’Or, his club must be performing at the top of European football. Currently, that puts Pogba out of the running for the prestigious individual award because Manchester United are going through a tough transition period.
However, with Jose Mourinho in charge, there is no doubt that the Red Devils will soon be returning to the pinnacle of European football. Already, the club has seen tremendous improvement since the Portuguese took charge, as he led them to a double in his first season.
Coincidentally, when Manchester United won the Europa League last season, Pogba was named the best player in the tournament. That highlights the kind of quality and the big-game experience that the France international brings to the table.
Manchester United will invest and there is a guarantee that more quality will be brought in to complement the existing squad in order to challenge both in England and in Europe. A surge to the Champions League would, therefore, put Pogba in the spotlight and if he can lead the Red Devils to European glory, then there is no reason why he cannot win the Ballon d’Or.
#1 Better Ballon d’Or chance with talented France squad
Paul Pogba is very fortunate to be part of a very talented group of French players in the national team. Les Bleus are one of the favourites for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the young nature of their squad suggests that they can dominate world football for the next decade.
That only means Paul Pogba has the chance to be at the heart of this golden generation of stars. The 25-year-old has often played his best when with the national team and if he can replicate such high standard performances in major tournaments, then the Ballon d’Or could be his.
Russia 2018 may have come too early, but Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022 are just around the corner and that could be Pogba’s chance to finally stake a claim. By that time, Ronaldo and Messi would have retired, giving him a better chance of winning the Ballon d'Or.
Can you imagine what a triumph at the Euros or World Cup will mean for Pogba if he leads France to glory? Well, it would most definitely be rewarded with a Ballon d’Or nomination and a chance to win the prestigious award.
