Pogba needs someone like Roy Keane next to him - Vieira

Martin Macdonald

• 29 Jun 2021 08:55 BST

Paul Pogba needs someone like Roy Keane next to him to keep him in check, says former Premier League midfielder Patrick Vieira.

In one of the most exciting European Championship games in history on Monday, France were dramatically knocked out of the competition on penalties by Switzerland after a 3-3 draw in regular time.

Within the match we saw undoubtedly the best, and perhaps some of the worst aspects of Pogba's talents.

His passing was a joy to behold as he continually popped perfect balls out to the wings or over the top of the Swiss defence into channels.

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The Manchester United midfielder would also score arguably the goal of the tournament so far with a stunning curled effort into the top right corner from range.

However, in the 90th minute with the match at 3-2 to France, he was ponderous on the ball in midfield which allowed Switzerland to pounce and win possession back before heading upfield to make it 3-3.

Keane, though appreciating Pogba's overall performance, thinks he should be criticised for the error.

"No doubt it would be frustrating," the Man Utd legend said on ITV's coverage of the match.

"But then I’d be looking at the goal they conceded in injury time when he was sloppy in midfield, that’s the bit I’d be really critical.

"It seems harsh because he’s done some brilliant stuff going forward today, there’s no doubt in Paul’s quality, it’s just the other side, maybe his maturity.

"United have had these problems. Can he play in a two midfield? He probably can’t, he hasn’t got the discipline.

"Even today he leaves you frustrated, even with his brilliant quality going forward he lacks that discipline defensively.

"The top players do it week in and week out and Paul doesn’t quite do it."

Vieira agrees with Keane

Keane's former foe turned punditry colleague Vieira is of the opinion that Pogba would benefit from having someone like the Irishman next to him in order to keep him focused.

"I completely agree," the former Arsenal captain said. "When you look at his potential, what he can do in midfield, you expect more from him.

"If he played next to Roy he would maybe be a different player because he needs someone on his back putting him under pressure and being demanding of him.

"It is frustrating because he can give much more than what he is giving to the team."

Pogba enjoyed an upturn in form in the second half of the season for Man Utd, but with his contract running out next summer there have been constant links of a move to Real Madrid.

The Premier League giants are allegedly working on a new deal to make him the highest paid player in the top flight, however.