Benjamin Mendy says ‘leader’ Paul Pogba silenced critics with World Cup heroics
The Manchester United midfielder has received criticism for his performances in England
BENJAMIN MENDY says Paul Pogba silenced his critics by driving France to World Cup glory.
The Manchester United ace has struggled to live upto his £89 million price tag in his two years at Old Trafford.
But he starred for his national side in Russia and also inspired his team-mates with his dressing room rallying calls.
Mendy said: “If you’re Paul Pogba and do some haircuts or something else then everybody speaks, speaks, speaks. But he plays so well, now has won the World Cup, so there is not much you can say really.
“Before every game he was the one using his mouth to speak, giving big, big words to the team.
“You see him: he’s very hungry. It’s perfect for the team. He’s a leader.”
Pogba and Mendy played together at Le Havre at the start of their careers - and now they are based in the same city.
“We are really close friends. We were together in the same place in Le Havre.
“Now we meet in the same city but he plays for United. Playing with him in the national team is a dream.
“Sometimes we spoke about this when we were younger, about 13, and now we are in the France team. It’s amazing.”