Pogba can be one of best midfielders ever – Henry

Matt Stead

Former France international Thierry Henry believes Paul Pogba can be one of the best midfielders of all-time if he realises his potential.

The 23-year-old didn’t have the best start to Euro 2016 and came under criticism as France struggled to find their best form in the group stage.

However, Pogba has since played a vital part in Didier Deschamps team, scoring the opening goal in their 5-2 victory over Iceland in the quarter-finals.

And, ahead of France’s semi-final against Germany on Thursday night, Henry was full of praise for the Juventus star.

“Forget about France, I think he can be one of the best midfielders in history,” Henry told Sky Sports News HQ.

“He has the quality to do that. He needs to make sure he concentrates on what he can do well.

“What I love about him at the moment is that he’s doing what the team’s asking him to do; maybe he’s sometimes a bit more fancy at Juventus but because Griezmann is playing behind Giroud for France, he has to defend a bit more.

“That’s the sign of his intelligence,” Henry added. “He’s playing within himself in a way, to make sure the team has the right balance.”

Pogba has been linked with a return to the Premier League this summer and Henry would like to see him come back to England.

“We all know about the quality, how good he is on the ball,” Henry said. “He’s an all-round player but he’s understood his role at this tournament.

“Hopefully he can come back to the Premier League – it would be great for us and for whoever got him but he’s still a Juve player and they’re not going to let him go (easily).”