Pogba’s scrutiny contrasts with Wirtz’s quiet spell at Liverpool
When Manchester United re-signed Paul Pogba back in the summer transfer window of 2016, four years after watching the midfielder strut off into the sunset for Juventus on a free, he instantly became the Premier League’s most scrutinised star, reports BritPanorama.
Pogba’s initial exit from Old Trafford had been controversial. In 2012, he turned down Sir Alex Ferguson, believing he deserved a starting position. However, with players like Anderson and Tom Cleverley ahead of him, he opted for a move to Italy to prove his worth.
His time at Juventus was remarkable; he played a pivotal role under Antonio Conte, contributing to three consecutive Serie A titles, which turned into four under Massimiliano Allegri, performing alongside notable players such as Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo.
By 2016, Pogba was a target for Real Madrid, but when United and José Mourinho offered an opportunity to return, he was enticed by the possibility of spearheading a new era of success. Mourinho made it clear he envisioned Pogba as a cornerstone of the team, signalling a return to form after a few years of struggle.
However, upon his return, Pogba faced immediate scrutiny. At £89 million, he became the world’s most expensive footballer, and his announcement in a video with rapper Stormzy heightened expectations significantly. Critics, particularly Graeme Souness, were quick to express their doubts. “It’s not the poor lad’s decision, he didn’t decide how much was going to be spent on him, but £89m is way too much,” Souness remarked, emphasizing the weight of expectations placed on Pogba.
Souness continued his critique throughout Pogba’s tenure, expressing skepticism about his impact: “I don’t see him changing that many games.” Others like Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane joined the chorus, with Pogba often becoming a scapegoat for United’s wider failures.
Fast forward to now, and a stark contrast is observed with Florian Wirtz, who has received a comparatively lighter treatment since joining Liverpool. Despite his struggles—having not scored or assisted in 16 Premier League matches—Wirtz has attracted little criticism, even though Liverpool currently sits in sixth place, reminiscent of United’s plight eight years ago.
Wirtz’s performances have shown glimpses of brilliance, yet they have largely been overshadowed by a series of underwhelming displays. Pundits, while critical of others like Mohamed Salah, have avoided directing their focus towards Wirtz, who has yet to justify his £116 million transfer fee.
Pogba, in contrast, failed to consistently meet the high expectations surrounding him during his time at United. Despite moments of individual brilliance, he ended his tenure without any major trophies, while the club was in a state of flux post-Sir Alex Ferguson. Comparatively, Liverpool’s recent success raises questions about Wirtz’s struggles, especially given the club’s relatively stable environment.
Ultimately, the treatment of Pogba and Wirtz illustrates the varying media narratives surrounding players and their performances. As Wirtz continues to navigate a challenging transition, one can only wonder if the same level of scrutiny will emerge—after all, the lights may shine bright, but the pressure varies significantly across the league.
