Paul Pogba may be in a “delicate position” at Manchester United but he will still play a starring role for France at the World Cup, according to David Trezeguet.
Pogba has seemingly slipped down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, with the midfielder an unused substitute in the FA Cup victory over Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.
The 25-year-old was also on the bench for both legs of the Champions League last 16-tie against Sevilla, while he missed the Premier League win over Liverpool due to injury.
Yet former France striker Trezeguet insists his under-fire compatriot remains, along with Antoine Griezmann, crucial to his country’s hopes in Russia.
“Regarding only the European Championship, Griezmann did something perfect. He showed his qualities as a key player of the French national team,” Trezeguet, speaking courtesy of Hublot, told Omnisport.
“I think that Pogba will have his say. He’s in a more delicate position in his club, but Paul has all the qualities needed. He’s a high-level player and will want to show his strength.
“We speak about two players who represent the present but also the future of the French national team.”
While Griezmann is certain to start, France coach Didier Deschamps faces a tough choice over who plays next to the Atletico Madrid forward up top.
Olivier Giroud has featured regularly under Deschamps, while Ousmane Dembele, Anthony Martial and Kylian Mbappe are candidates to play out wide in a front three.
Wissam Ben Yedder is now also in the mix after he was called up for the friendlies against Colombia and Russia, adding further depth to a position of clear strength.
“When you see the quality of the players regarding what they do for their club, it is obviously a difficult choice to make,” Trezeguet said.
“He has some possibilities. I personally think that there are some interesting choices to make.
“He’ll find the right players to start well the World Cup.”
With such a star-studded squad at his disposal, Trezeguet believes former team-mate Deschamps can lead France to glory.
“Individually, it’s a world-class team with a head coach very experienced both as a coach and as a player,” he added.
“We have everything to see this through. Obviously, it’s a very difficult tournament and the other teams are also ambitious. I think, however, that France will have a say.”