2. Creative role in 4-2-3-1
As I noted earlier, Solskjaer had some success utilising Pogba off the left in a 4-2-3-1. This minimised his defensive responsibilities and allowed him to occupy more central zones when United had the ball.
Transfermarkt notes that Pogba’s notched 11 assists in 27 appearances when playing off the left, depicting his creative efficacy from this function. Midway through the 2018/19 season, meanwhile, the 29-year-old operated as an outright number ten and his ability to penetrate the smallest of gaps with an ingenious pass, plus his willingness to enter the opposition’s box from this role saw him shine against deep-lying defences.
However, his usage as a number ten proved fleeting at Old Trafford.
There’s certainly scope for Pogba to perform an advanced function on his potential return to Juventus with his old buddy Paulo Dybala making way. He could play ahead of a pair of midfielders and function as Dusan Vlahovic’s primary server with Angel Di Maria and Federico Chiesa wreaking havoc on the flanks.
Just imagine that foursome.
Continues on the next slide…