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Once the most expensive player in the world, Paul Pogba, produced only flashes of brilliance, after a world record move to Manchester United in 2016. Despite his undoubted abilities, the 25-year-old struggled to produce goods on a consistent basis at Old Trafford.
He faded away after a promising start to the 2017/18 season and a hamstring injury in October did not help his case either. He was in-and-out of the side after coming back from injury but never managed to hit his peak form.
Also, he was dropped by Jose Mourinho for the key games against Liverpool and Sevilla. His relationship with Jose Mourinho was said to be deteriorated as the season progressed. There were even rumors of Mourinho was looking for an ideal candidate to replace his world record signing.
In case if it happens, any of these 5 players could be an ideal replacement for the Frenchman.
#5 Jorginho (Napoli)
Jorginho has been one of the standout players in Serie A this season, playing in the heart of Napoli's midfield. A defensive midfielder by trade, he is one of those rare deep-lying creative midfielders, who has excelled for Napoli this season.
He averages 2 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.6 dribbles, and 1.6 key passes per game this season, showing how well he can defend and attack. He is quick and averages 98 passes per game. He links up well with his strikers and a typical modern-day central midfielder.
He is under the radar of many top European clubs and a summer move away from Napoli is more than likely. At 26, he is at the peak of his career and has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League.
#4 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio)
Nicknamed “Sergente” in Italy, the 23-year-old is one of the best young central midfielders in Europe at the moment. He plays in the same area of the pitch as Paul Pogba, the left side of midfield.
With 11 goals and four assists already this season, he is one of those midfielders who like to go forward and attack. Defensively, he averages 1.7 tackle per game and has won more aerial duels (213) than any other player in Serie A, since the start of 2016/17 season.
He is a deadly finisher from outside the box and averages close to 2 successful dribbles per game. He is only 23 and will get better by each passing game. Manchester United and Real Madrid have been heavily linked with the midfielder, who is catching the attention of Europe's elite.
#3 Marco Verratti (PSG)
Marco Verratti is one of the best midfielders in Europe for quite some time. He was close to a move to Barcelona last summer but the move failed to materialize. Verratti is a technically gifted midfielder, known for his quick feet, close control in tight spaces, and vision.
Defensively, he averages 2.3 tackles per game this season in Ligue 1 and 3.3 per game in the UEFA Champions League. Going forward, he averages 92.3 passes per game with an accuracy of 91.3%. Also, he averages 1.3 key passes and 1.7 successful dribbles per game in 2017/18.
Regarded by many as one of the best playmaking central midfielders in the world, Verratti has been superb for PSG this campaign. He has also scored twice and provided 5 assists this season. He has the experience to succeed in the Premier League.
#2 Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid)
Regarded as one of the best midfielders in Europe, Saul Niguez has been a mainstay in Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid side for quite some time. It is hard to believe that he is only 23, given the number of seasons he already played and things he has achieved.
He is a versatile player who can play anywhere in the midfield. He is brilliant tackler, who averages 3.5 per game this season, along with 1.8 interceptions and 2.2 clearances per game.
One of his key attributes is his ability to find and exploit spaces behind the opponent defense. He is an exceptional player in the final third and can score some brilliant goals.
According to Spanish news outlet Gol Digital, who often make sensational transfer claims, United are desperate to land the midfielder. Gol Digital add that the Red Devils are even willing to pay Niguez’s £131m (€151m) release clause at the end of the season.
#1 Toni Kroos (Real Madrid0
This man needs no introduction. Arguably the best midfielder in the world at the moment, Toni Kross has led Real Madrid to back to back UEFA Champions League titles. Ever since his move to Real Madrid in 2014, the German international has lifted 9 trophies.
Kroos is a pass master. Known for his vision and passing accuracy, Kross is a versatile midfielder who can play in several midfield positions. There is almost nothing that this man cannot do. He can create chances for his teammates, break up opponents play, score himself, and reads the game beautifully.
He averages 2.4 key passes per game and his passing accuracy stands at a phenomenal 93%. Defensively, he averages 2 tackles per game and his work-rate is outstanding. He could be the ideal replacement for Paul Pogba and can make any team look better.
