In the last 24 hours, an impressive 28% of all bets have backed Frenchman Paul Pogba to be named Best Player of Euro 2020.
His impressive display against Germany last night forced bookmakers to slash his odds to as low as 16/1 – from 40/1, and although there are plenty other competitors in the market, it appears that the Manchester United midfielder has a fair chance to pick up the trophy. If France do reach the final, or even lift the trophy, there’s a very good chance that Pogba played a significant part in it.
Since 1996, UEFA has rewarded the player they believe has had the biggest impact by naming them the Player of the Tournament. It’s also an award that tends to go to those who don’t necessarily sit high in the goals or assists charts – that makes this market one with plenty of value on offer.
Forwards tend to be battling it out for the Golden Boot award, but history tells us that the Best Player of the Tournament accolade is one for the midfielders. Antoine Griezmann’s place at the top of this category in 2016 broke a long run of midfielders taking the prize.
- 2016: Antoine Griezmann (France – Striker)
- 2012: Andres Iniesta (Spain – Midfielder)
- 2008: Xavi (Spain – Midfielder)
- 2004: Theodoros Zagorakis (Greece – Midfielder)
- 2000: Zinedine Zidane (France – Midfielder)
- 1996: Matthias Sammer (Germany – Midfielder)
Although not the favourite, Pogba has become a popular contenders in this market and his all-round game, which he showed off last night, has put him towards the top of the list.
Pogba is no stranger to awards at international tournaments too. He was named in the Team of the Tournament at both the under-17s and under-19s European Championships while picking up the Golden Ball at the under-20s World Cup in 2013. He was also named in the Europa League Team of the Season for 2020/21 and has been in numerous Team of the Year XIs. Pogba is a world class midfielder and contributed for Manchester United in the second-half of the season despite injury keeping him sidelined at times.
There is the potential for the flair moments with Pogba too. It’s the eye-catching and memorable moments that may throw him ahead of everyone else when it comes to deciding a Player of the Tournament. Glory for France will likely see him battling teammates for the award.
