I was chatting to a Gooner mate of mine the other day and he said something we’ve all heard or said a hundred times since the days of Patrick Vieira, “we need a midfield general”.
Not a half-baked Granit Xhaka, Matteo Guendouzi or Aaron Ramsey, but a real powerful, skillful and dominant leader to command the centre of the park.
I made a fantasy suggestion and he looked at me like I’d lost my marbles.
As the name “Paul Pogba” came through my lips, I could see he was already planning an exit from our
conversation.
But the suggestion was honest and I think he’d be the perfect fit with more than enough capability. In fact, probably as good as or better than his compatriot Vieira.
You see, I go against the grain on a couple of related matters.
Firstly, is the notion that the fabled midfield general is a thing of the past. Not required in the far more technical and specialised positional game today, I think there is very much room for perhaps a more "sophisticated"
version.
And secondly, that Pogba is a lanky waste of money.
He’s one of the best footballers I’ve ever watched. Of course, for those of you who support Manchester United, he’s been very inconsistent.
Now I’m not defending the Frenchman’s work ethic or commitment, because at Old Trafford it’s been poor.
But put him in an environment he wants to be in and, in my opinion, you’ll witness the best midfielder in the world.
Arsenal’s historic "French connection" and style of football could just be that place.
Of course, it’ll never happen.
ICONIC MIDFIELD GENERAL: Arsenal hero Patrick Vieira
The Gunners don’t buy mega-money players and given Unai Emery’s reported transfer budget (around £50m), we’re likely to see a couple of young no-namers come in at the Emirates.
It is clear however, regardless of Pogba’s statement citing his desire for a “new challenge”, that his time is probably coming to an end at Old Trafford.
And with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (and Ed Woodward) preparing a huge personnel change, the £120m-plus they’d receive for the Pog would come in very handy.
I caught an article which highlighted every stat associated with his last campaign and it made for very interesting reading.
On the positive side, he attempted more shots and was involved in more goals in all competitions than any other teammate, as well as being the top passer in the side, clocking in at 2 068.
GET IN ALREADY: Derby County boss Frank Lampard
But, lost possession 602 times and delivered 99
Premier League crosses, with just 14 percent considered accurate.
There’s no doubt, love him or hate him, he’s proper quality, but needs to sort his head out.
If only we’d buy him!
On the personal front, Petr Cech signing as part of the technical backroom team at the Bridge is just a further tease to the inevitable happening
Can they just please hurry up and announce the return of Super Frankie Lampard and the Drog. Just wanna get on with my life!