Manchester United

Peter Crouch claims Manchester United's Paul Pogba could emulate Steven Gerrard

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 23 November 2020

Former England striker Peter Crouch believes that Manchester United's Paul Pogba can follow in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard if he is moved further up the field.

Former England striker Peter Crouch believes that a change of position could see Manchester United's Paul Pogba emulate Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer normally opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation, Pogba has often been utilised in a deep-lying role, although the 27-year-old has struggled to force his way into the team as of late.

The World Cup-winning Frenchman is yet to bank a goal or assist in the current Premier League campaign, but Crouch believes that Pogba will thrive if he is unleashed in an attack-minded midfield role.

Crouch wrote in the Daily Mail: "I'd never given that prospect any consideration, but now I have thought about it, I could actually see him moving up the pitch.

"He wouldn't be a 20-goals-a-season striker, by any means, but he has all the qualities to be an outstanding link player. I feel Pogba could affect games the way Steven Gerrard used to do when I played with him for Liverpool and England — he's that good.

"He's got that star quality about him, you see it when he plays for France. I've been on the pitch with Pogba and always felt there were two or three gears in reserve that he could easily engage.

"The one thing that has always confused me about him is the desire. Does he want to do it? If a game was going badly, Stevie would take it upon himself to beat a couple of men and score a goal — grab things by the scruff of the neck.

"Pogba has the ability to do that. I'd love to see him make it happen."

Pogba missed out against West Bromwich Albion owing to a knock, but the former Juventus man is back in training and in contention to feature in Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Istanbul Basaksehir.