World Cup winner Marcel Desailly believes one of Didier Deschamps’ biggest selection decisions ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup is how the France boss utilises Paul Pogba.
The 25-year-old’s form for Manchester United under Jose Mourinho this season has been indifferent, with questions marks raised around how to get the best out of the Frenchman.
Didier Deschamps, who has a plethora of midfield talent at his disposal ahead of this summer’s tournament in Russia, will also be faced with the decision of how to make the most of the former Juventus man’s talents, without compromising his side’s balance.
Pogba scored and set up another in France’s 3-1 friendly win against hosts Russia last month, and Desailly, who was speaking following Hublot’s Match of Friendship in Dubai, believes his positive display came from being played on the right of a midfield three.
“Where do you put Pogba? Again as a playmaker, or as a holding midfielder? Is he a defensive midfielder in two, with a three, or just with [N’Golo] Kante who will stay?,” Desailly told Sport360.
“I think on the right of the midfield three is best. Because you cannot count on him for 90 minutes of defending. He has the pretension, and everyone sees it, that he can attack, he can create and he can go forward. You feel restricted when you get him in a defensive position.”
Marcel Desailly featured in Hublot’s Match of Friendship at Dubai Opera.
20 years on from France’s World Cup success on home soil, Desailly believes Deschamps’ side have the quality to replicate that feat, but insists they won’t be the favourites in Russia this summer.
“I think it’s quite difficult for Didier to put down his tactical setup, but once he has done that, France will probably show great ability,” Desailly added.
“They can (win the World Cup) but there are teams that are better than them at the moment. The Brazilian, Spanish and German teams, especially the Brazilians, collectively and individually they are much better.”