Even a World-Record Transfer Fee Should Not Tempt Juventus to Sell Paul Pogba

With Juventus having clinched a fifth consecutive Serie A title with three matches remaining—and with the Coppa Italia final still to be played—much has been said about the contributions of many members of the squad.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri has overseen a superb campaign from a number of new signings, with Paulo Dybala and Sami Khedira arguably foremost among them. Meanwhile, long-serving veterans such as Gigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Patrice Evra have maintained a remarkable consistency in every game.

However, arguably even more important has been the development seen in both Leonardo Bonucci and Paul Pogba. Indeed, while the former has evolved into one of Europe’s most accomplished central defenders, his French team-mate has blossomed to arguably an even higher level.

Having previously been the promising youngster in Juve’s star-studded midfield, Pogba played a supporting role alongside Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo. He would occasionally prove to be a match-winner, but the departure of that latter pair before the start of 2015/16 saw the Bianconeri demand more from the 23-year-old.

Pogba struggled with the weight of such expectation in the early weeks, the poor performances of the new-look team around him adding to his struggles and failing to provide an environment in which his ability could shine.

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