Since the 2006 World Cup final loss to Italy, France has been looking for its identity. Euro 2016 provides the perfect opportunity for Paul Pogba to take hold of his country’s destiny.
The image of Zinedine Zidane walking off the field with his head down, passing a small podium with the Jules Rimet trophy setting on top is burned into the memory banks of most of the French faithful.
The man who was the definition of the most successful era of French football had been banished to the locker room after a moment of anger. These were his last steps from the pitch as a player, ending one of the greatest careers ever in a humbling fashion.
Zidane’s retirement left a huge void for the French National team. This is not uncommon when a generational player hangs up the boots. There is never a like replacement for the player, and expecting another player to step in and fill those considerably large shoes, is unreasonable.
Teams move on and evolve. They find strength in their numbers and work collectively to close the loop to varying degrees of success. The game demands it, otherwise the team fades from being a contender to becoming a near afterthought.
After Zidane’s departure, France became more than an afterthought, they lost almost all semblance of a team. The 2010 World Cup provided plenty of fodder for critics when an uncalled Thierry Henry handball led to the goal that qualified them for the competition. Once they arrived at the cup, fans saw a team that did not perform together or with much drive to succeed. Part of this blame could be laid at the feet of the coach, but the players refusal to train were part of a series of events that was an embarrassment for the fans.
The fact that France dropped from being a cup contender without Zidane was not a surprise. How far they dropped was. Even without Zidane, France boasted the talents of Henry, Franck Ribery, Florent Malouda, Patrice Evra and others. The players France had at its disposal were more than good enough to be competitive and get themselves out of the group stages.
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Perhaps the biggest hole left by Zidane was a void of leadership. Everyone understood that France was Zidane’s team. He led by his play and seemingly willed the team to the finals in 2006. Since that time France has been looking for that player who could step up and be that guy, and now may finally be the time.
Paul Pogba is as gifted a player as the world has to offer. The Juventus midfielder has incredible feet, and glides across the pitch with his long strides, beating defenders with an array of moves. His passing ability has few peers, and gives him the ability to control the game.
It is these abilities that gain him comparisons to Zidane. Both incredible dribblers and passers. Each a gifted playmaker who could create chance after chance for their teammates. Also blessed with the ability to score stunning goals, especially when least expected.
Pogba has generational type talent, but at 23 years old, he has only began scratching the surface of his capabilities. It has yet to be seen if he can be the type of player who inspires those around him to elevate their game. Euro16 will give him that chance.
Having already experienced being a major contributor for France at the 2014 World Cup, Pogba has been exposed to the glare of the international spotlight. His experience should help him deal with the intense scrutiny the home squad is destined to face during this tournament.
It is also the previous experience which should make him more comfortable in taking the reins of the team. Stepping up and using his incredible skills to involve his mates, create opportunities and frustrate opponents can help France expel the ghosts of the last decade.
Next: France looking to defend home turf in Euro 16
Removing a team from the long shadow of a legend is one of the most difficult things in sports. Paul Pogba has the opportunity to move the French team out of the shadow of the Zidane era, because he has the ability to become legendary himself. The opportunity is there, France is waiting to see if he seizes on it.