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Cape Town - France captain Hugo Lloris has encouraged star midfielder Paul Pogba to assume a leadership role at the 2018 Soccer World Cup in Russia.
Pogba has come under increased scrutiny since joining Manchester United in an £89m move from Juventus in 2016, with many criticising him for not living up to his perceived potential while others have knocked his off-the-field antics.
However, at the age of 25 the midfielder is no longer a youngster and Lloris would like to see him take on more leadership responsibilities within the France squad at the World Cup.
"Paul is no longer a young player," Lloris told the press, according to Goal.com website.
"He has collected experience with his club and with the national team. He has a lot of talent and that label has stuck with him since the beginning. He has had a very good season, although people still debate it.
"As a football player and as a football fan, I think he had a very good season.
"He has this desire to shine with the French national team. Will he be the ‘boss’? That’s a strong word but a ‘leader’ is what is expected of him on and off the field. He is reaching maturity and he wants to do well. But it’s also important that he focuses on his individual performance.
"This is the best way, to lead by example."
Pogba has made 52 appearances for Les Bleus since making his debut in 2013 and has contributed with nine goals.
