Conte: Pogba similar to Rijkaard
Juventus coach Antonio Conte stated that Paul Pogba's all-action midfield display reminded him of a young Frank Rijkaard although the player disagreed afterwards.
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
The youngster stole the show with two superb long-range goals and was an impressive bulwark in midfield against Udinese as well.
Rijkaard played for Ajax, AC Milan and Barcelona during his playing career and was also a combative midfielder with an eye for goal.
Conte watched on as his side made short work of Udinese with further goals also scored by Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri. The Italian did comment in his post-match conference that Pogba could be a Rijkaard in the making.
"They [Pogba and Rijkaard] do have similar characteristics, but Paul needs to grow up to become one of the best players in the world in his role," he told reporters.
The Italian also hailed his squad's performance as they had to do without a number of first-team players such as Fabio Quagliarella, Andrea Pirlo and Giorgio Chiellini.
"The lads are working seriously despite the many absentees. We have a concept of a team and are not a group of individuals. Even if we were playing with many ‘reserve' players, very few people noticed thanks to the fine performances of those who stepped in.
"We gave away five points in the last two games, but it went well tonight [Saturday] and we always had the situation in hand."
Even opposing coach Francesco Guidolin joined in on the praise for the talented Frenchman as he commented, "Pogba is a great player and not just for his goals. I have to say we're dealing with a real prospect for the future."
Pogba, on the other hand, disagreed with his manager and declared his intention to create his own unique identity as a player.
"I know who Rijkaard was in the game," he told Sky Sports24. "I do not know if I appear like him. I do not want to mimic anyone, I just want to improve and remain Paul Pogba."
"It was a beautiful evening for me, I scored two goals, and the first in particular was very nice, so I'm very happy.
"I know though that I don't have to stay here, I have to keep playing this way and maybe even better.
"[Claudio] Marchisio and [Andre] Pirlo are big players so there is no problem if I have to go on the bench - I will go. If I have to play I'll play and I'll try to do my best. "
The win allowed Juve to pull five points clear of the chasing pack after Lazio's 2-2 draw at Palermo earlier in the day.