World Cup 2018: Five Tactical Points that will decide the World Cup Final

#3 DM Paul Pogba or CAM Paul Pogba?

Will Paul Pogba be given a free role to attack the Croatian defense?

If one were to watch Paul Pogba’s performances throughout the tournament, one would see two completely different players. One is a dynamic central attacking midfielder (CAM) who was France’s creator throughout the group stages: making the through pass that led to a penalty against Australia, scoring the winner in that game (though it was eventually credited as an own goal) and creating the initial chance for Mbappe’s goal against Peru.

The other is a solid defensive midfielder (DM) who has been key for Les Blues in the knockout stages: supporting N’Golo Kante in breaking up opposition attacks and then beginning counter-attacks. These transformations have been invaluable for France as Pogba has done what the team required.

It is clear that these changes are due to the instructions of Didier Deschamps. So which Pogba will Deschamps play on Sunday? If he plays the attacking midfielder then Brozovic will have his hands full in dealing with the Manchester United player. Moreover, his dynamism might open up gaps for the likes of Mbappe, Griezmann and Olivier Giroud. Yet, it would leave gaps for the likes of Modric and Ivan Rakitic to exploit in midfield.

On the other hand, if Deschamps decides to go for the defensive midfielder, then Pogba can help break up attacks like he did against Belgium (when he made three tackles and two clearances). Pogba could help Kante in disrupting Modric and Rakitic. However, it would reduce the attacking effectiveness of the French side. Deschamps’ choice between DM Pogba and CAM Pogba is one that could potentially define the game and he can’t afford to get it wrong.