2. Paul Pogba, Manchester United
No sooner had he lifted the World Cup trophy with France, Pogba found himself challenged by United manager Jose Mourinho. The 55-year-old called on the club’s record signing to give more, per ESPN (h/t Luke Edwards of the Telegraph):
"I don’t think it’s about us getting the best out of him. It’s about him giving the best he has to give. I think the World Cup is the perfect habitat for a player like him to give the best. Why? Because it’s closed for a month, where he can only think about football."
Mourinho’s words are justified after Pogba has picked his moments to show his best during two seasons at Old Trafford. He was a stalwart when he scored twice to inspire a dramatic comeback and beat Manchester City 3-2 in early April, making the would-be champions wait another week for the trophy.
Mourinho’s first year in charge had ended with Pogba capping an uneven campaign with a Man of the Match turn to help beat Ajax 2-0 in the 2017 Europa League final.
Pogba frustrates because his awesome ability is obvious. Few midfielders combine physical power with graceful movement and artful flair the way the 25-year can when he’s motivated.
Earning the trust of his manager and more fervent adoration from Red Devils supporters demands Pogba turns on the style more often. It doesn’t matter where he plays or who Mourinho surrounds him with, Pogba is good enough to deliver so much more.
United have waited long enough.