Pellegrini: Pogba still has a long way to go before he can match Toure

Posted Monday, September 14, 2015 by squawka.com

Ahead of Manchester City and Juventus’ clash in the Champions League on Tuesday, Manuel Pellegrini has been assessing Paul Pogba against Yaya Toure but feels the Frenchman still has to prove himself, as per Goal.

The 22-year-old had a sensational season in Turin last term, winning the Serie A title, Coppa Italia and finishing as runners-up in the Champions League.

Pogba scored eight goals and created 37 chances in the league last season for Massimo Allegri’s team, but Pellegrini still feels that he is not at the same level as Toure.

The Chilean coach told reporters, as per Goal: "I don’t think it’s fair to compare a young player who is just starting with Yaya Toure who has had a brilliant career.

"Pogba must arrive to do what Yaya has done in his career.

"Pogba is a very young player and when you’re young you have the chance to continue improving. That’s why it can be important to buy young players because they have more chances to improve."

The Ivorian midfielder struggled in the Premier League last term as City produced a limp defence of their title.

However, the 32-year-old has returned to form this term, scoring once and creating 12 chances for the Citizens – who have won every game in the top flight so far.

Pellegrini’s side continued their 100% success rate via a late strike from Kelechi Iheanacho at Selhurst Park to give them a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

Juventus, on the other hand, have struggled to really find any kind of form in the new campaign. The Old Lady have lost their first two Serie A matches and drew with Chievo on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Pogba has been heavily linked with Chelsea in the past few months. Gazzetta dello Sport (via Daily Express) claimed that the Blues had agreed a €84 million deal for the powerhouse.

Chelsea are arguably craving another top class midfielder. The likes of Cesc Fabregas have struggled this season, the Spain international has looked off the pace and hasn’t looked sharp in the final third.

Furthermore, a duo of Matic and Pogba could prove to be a formidable pair to face, thus restoring Chelsea into one of Europe’s top class teams.