Paul Pogba is celebrating picking up another international medal.
France beat Spain to win the UEFA Nations League, following in the footsteps of Portugal in 2019.
Pogba played all 90 minutes of the 2-1 win with Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe on the scoresheet.
Manchester United star Pogba was lined up alongside alongside Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield, who replaced Adrien Rabiot.
The two players competed well against an industrious Spain side and Pogba had more touches (77) than any France player on the pitch.
Pogba won two aerial duels, created once chance, and had one shot on target.
He also made three tackles, more than any other France player, and made one interception.
Pogba’s France had to cope with his United teammate Raphael Varane going off injured in the 42nd minute with the score at 0-0. Anthony Martial was an unused substitute.
Positive reaction
The French media were glowing about Pogba’s performance in the victory over Spain.
Onze Mondial wrote: “His attitude as a captain has often been praised, and this evening he was one of the great men of victory.
“From a defensive as well as offensive point of view, the French midfielder has above all had a leading role in his behavior, as his shouting match with Pavard has shown. After a difficult start against young Gavi, he was able to build up the pressure to manage the rare times of crucial possessions of his team. Pogba as we like it.”
Footmercato wrote that Pogba was much better in the second half than the first, commenting: “A contrasting match from the Mancunian, where he still knew how to be decisive. Defensively, he sometimes showed passivity.”
This victory will give Pogba confidence heading into a crucial stretch with United.
It was important to note he was playing as part of a midfield two, not a three, or stationed out wide on the left.
This is the role United need him in when Marcus Rashford is back, and his showing bodes well, providing he has the right partner alongside him.
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