No surprise Barcelona rejected Paul Pogba before Man United move
Barcelona claim they had first refusal on Paul Pogba this summer but the chances of the Frenchman being signed by the Spanish champions were always slim.
Paul Pogba could have signed for Barcelona this summer. That’s according to the clubs director of sporting relations, Albert Soler. Pogba eventually signed for Manchester United from Juventus for £93 million.
Instead of moving for Pogba, Barcelona brought in Andre Gomes from Porto and bought back Denis Suarez from Villarreal to boost their midfield. On paper, neither signing looks anything like the level Pogba is on.
But Barcelona buy players to suit their team. To suit their style of play. It doesn’t matter if you’re called Paul Pogba or not. Manchester United may have decided Pogba was worth £93 million to them. But that doesn’t mean he’s worth it to Barcelona – or anybody else for that matter.
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Pogba’s strengths are not what the attributes that the Spanish champions typically look for in a player. Firstly, the Frenchman is extremely athletic. That’s not a trait you see in many Barcelona midfielders, is it? They favor players who are possession-based players, who keep the ball safe and are outstanding passers.
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Pogba is not an outstanding passer. He’s a good passer. He’s not going to dictate a game at the highest level with his passing any time soon.
The United man is good at getting into the box to assist a goal and chip in with a few himself. Maybe launch some shots from long range. A bit of individual skill, here and there. Barcelona play more as a team, sharing the ball.
Pogba is an outstanding individual and Barca don’t tend to have individuals in their midfield unit. Up front? Sure. Lionel Messi. Neymar. Even Luis Suarez, to a lesser extent.
But not in midfield where they’ve had the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and now Ivan Rakitic. It’s a finely tuned machine in that part of Barca’s team, everything works in sync. Pogba’s just as liable to give up possession trying something spectacular as he is play a safe pass. He’s just a liable to score a goal from 25 yards as he is stick it in row z, too.
Barcelona rejecting an option to sign Pogba, shouldn’t a a big story. It will be because of the two clubs and the player involved. In reality, Pogba is more of a Real Madrid player than a Barcelona player.
Madrid are about the glitz and flashing lights They’re the Hollywood club in Spain. Barca tend to be a little more reserved, for the most part. It’s not surprising they turned down a chance to sign Pogba.
Now, Madrid? That would have been a shock had the Galacticos turned down a potential shiny, new Galactico for their set. But Barca? It would of been more surprising if they did take up the offer.
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