Aurelien Tchouameni’s rise as France’s next midfield star is nearly complete.
Tchouameni deputised for the injured Ngolo Kante for France and helped his side a UEFA Nations League win.
The Monaco midfielder had a little help. He has playing alongside Paul Pogba in midfield.
And where Manchester United are concerned, that’s exactly the point.
In Tchouameni, Pogba has found a midfield partner he plays well alongside and who complements him well.
As United can attest, its not been easy to find the perfect fit alongside Pogba.
Adrien Rabiot had started the semi-final before being taken off for Tchouameni. France’s fightback really stirred after that substitution.
Tchouameni was rewarded with a start against Spain in the final and while La Roja proved a stern test, France were able to come out on top.
Pogba is a fan
Pogba took notice of Tchouameni during the September international break when he played alongside him for the first time.
The United star was quoted speaking to Ouest-France: “Very very good. He’s not a boy, he’s a man.
“Pleasure to play next to him. He brings a lot of energy. A lot of energy, extraordinary technical and physical quality.
“We wish him to play lots of matches, and that I am always at his side.”
Now Pogba and Tchouameni’s partnership is a winning one, with the pair victorious in the UEFA Nations League.
Monaco have a gem on their hands and United are somewhat fortunate no other club succeeded to snap him up in the summer.
Tchouameni ranked second in Ligue 1 last season for successful tackles, and ranked fourth for interceptions.
Strong display
Tchouameni made four interceptions against Spain, more than any midfielder on the pitch.
The 21-year-old made two tackles, created one chance, and won two free-kicks, while winning four aerial duels.
The youngster has outstanding ability and potential to be even better. He is averaging 2.9 tackles per game in Ligue 1 this season and 2.1 interceptions.
He is the type of midfielder United should be signing and he could cost far less than Declan Rice. We suggested Tchouameni as a potential signing back in the summer.
Now seeing him star alongside Pogba for France makes it seem even more important United look to bring him in.
Sign him up?
Pogba’s own future is uncertain. That is why a January move for Tchouameni could be absolutely crucial.
Signing the Monaco star would be an impressive deal regardless of what Pogba does. But it could be the final piece in the puzzle and confidence Pogba to renew his deal.
If United were not looking hard at Tchouameni before last night, they really should be now.
Here is a look at how United fans reacted to Tchouameni’s performance…
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