World Cup 2018, Uruguay 0-2 France: 3 key takeaways from the game

#2 The need for a proper playmaker

Uruguay clearly missed a player like Pogba in the midfield

If Cavani's absence at the top made the Uruguayan attack toothless, the lack of a playmaker in the midfield reduced them to looking like Sunday league players who hoofed the ball up-field every time it came to their feet.

On the other hand, Pogba was a beast in the French midfield, continuing his exploits against Argentina. With the defensive work being shared around him, Pogba had the time and the freedom and focus on what needed to be done.

Hope Mourinho was watching the game tonight. It's amazing what your CM can do when he's free to roam everywhere and attack without the fear of being hounded by your manager #URUFRA #worldcup #FRA #URU #manchesterunited #Pogba #Mourinho

— Indian Sports Guy (@indiansportsguy) July 6, 2018

It was not just Pogba. Kante, Tolisso, Griezmann - all of them dropped into the midfield to help out in attack and sharing the burden, while Uruguay had nobody to turn to.

Their balls only rarely went past the France defenders, and when they did their effectiveness in the final third was questionable.

The situation got so bad for Uruguay that Suarez had to drop into the midfield at the dying moments to salvage the game, but by then it was too little too late.

With Bentancur neutralised by Kante, only Lucas Torreira had a remotely good game in the Uruguay midfield.