Juventus vs. Chievo: Paul Pogba Once Again Decisive Amid Transfer Speculation

After watching Juventus comfortably beat Hellas twice last week, fellow Veronese side Chievo made the trip to Turin on Sunday. It was a journey they undoubtedly dreaded after watching their neighbours concede 10 goals in those two encounters with the in-from Bianconeri.

Unlike the city’s other side however, Chievo proved to be a resilient opponent for Massimiliano Allegri’s men and kept the game scoreless for the entire first half. Well-organised and willing to work hard for one another, Rolando Maran’s team continued to execute their game plan perfectly as the second period began.

Then, just as he had in Juve’s three previous matches, Paul Pogba produced a moment of magic that resulted in the ball nestling in the back of the net. Receiving the ball from Carlos Tevez with two defenders in close proximity, the French midfielder danced between them easily before despatching a left-footed thunderbolt.

Goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri stood little hope of keeping it out, and Juventus had a lead they would never relinquish. More brilliance from Pogba would result in a goal for Stephan Lichtsteiner, and just like that the game was over as the Bianconeri ran out 2-0 winners.

Aside from those two key contributions however, it was far from a vintage performance from the former Manchester United star. Indeed, statistics from WhoScored.com show he made just one tackle, one interception and just 48 passes throughout the 90 minutes.

Yet by the time the final whistle blew, Juventus were in possession of another three points thanks to a player whose future has recently been the subject of much speculation. Having seen the 21-year-old linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in recent weeks, Italy boss Antonio Conte discussed the possibility of his former club opting to sell Pogba.

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“It would allow the club to buy two or three top-level players, even though nowadays it is more difficult to realise who will make the team really step up a gear,” Conte said when asked by TuttoSport during an interview this weekend (h/t Football Italia).

Last summer, the player’s agent Mino Raiola said that the price paid for Gareth Bale “dictates Pogba is worth €200 million,” per ESPN, and Juventus themselves have admitted they would find it difficult to resist such a large bid.

Speaking with Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia) last week, director general Beppe Marotta said that “the problem could be the salaries that might be offered to him.” Despite Deloitte ranking Juventus as the 10th-highest-earning club in Europe, per the BBC website, the reality is that Juventus trail Europe’s giant clubs in terms of wages paid to players.

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For pundits who say that "Paul Pogba needs/will move to move to a top club," he is already at a top club. This isn't Juve Stabia. :)

— Soccer Translator (@worldfootballcm) January 25, 2015"

However, for now, Pogba seems content to continue with the club who took him from underused reserve at Old Trafford and catapulted him to stardom. Speaking shortly after Sunday’s game ended, he spoke to Sky Italia and once again stated his desire to continue to grow in the famous black and white stripes of Juventus.

“The work I do is not just for me but for the team,” Pogba said (h/t Forza Italian Football). “I have to continue like this, for everyone at the club and all the fans." It was the continuation of a theme he also discussed in an interview with the club’s in-house TV channel on Friday, telling them how important the city of Turin was to his development.

“It enables you to stay in the right frame of mind for work and football,” Pogba said, per the official Juventus website. “It’s a very relaxed city and perfect for relaxing and staying focused.”

It is clear that they face a summer of speculation and rumours about his future, but for now the Old Lady and her young star seem an ideal match. For now, supporters can enjoy match-winning performances like the one we saw on Sunday, but it remains to be seen just how long Juventus can hold on to Paul Pogba, one of football’s brightest talents.