He may look like a man struggling to contend with pin-studded insoles but Paul Pogba insists there is method amid the ostensible madness of his elongated penalty run-up technique.
Pogba took 10 full seconds and 28 steps to arrive at the penalty spot against Everton on Sunday, only to see his shot parried by Jordan Pickford.
The Manchester United midfielder successfully converted the rebound to open the scoring at Old Trafford, but it didn’t stop everybody laughing at him, including his own teammates…
Make a comeback in your career and renew your contract. #ThingsYouCanDoDuringPogbasPenaltyRunUp pic.twitter.com/sxGx6C1i11
— Luke Shaw (@LukeShaw23) 28 October 2018
It was soon pointed out that Usain Bolt managed to run 100 metres in less time than it took Pogba to get from the edge of the area to the spot.
However, the Frenchman insists that the technique is a perfectly functional one, though he may have to tweak it in future to prevent opposing ‘keepers from getting wise to his tactics.
I always try to destabilise the goalkeeper. That’s why I shoot like this.
I may practise to change it because maybe the goalkeepers are starting to know my steps, but the most important thing is when the ball goes in.
True enough. Pogba has been involved in more Manchester United goals (31) since the start of the 2016/17 season than any other player, with 14 goals and 17 assists to his name.
Just don’t tell yer da.