Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hailed former teammate Paul Pogba as ‘the best midfielder in the world’ after the Manchester United star scored the winner in France’s 2-1 win over Australia on Saturday.
Pogba lifted the ball over Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan late in the second-half to seal his side a win in their tournament opener after Antoine Griezmann had opened the scoring for Didier Deschamps’ side from the penalty spot earlier in the half.
Ibrahimovic noted that a lot of the attention that Pogba receives stems from jealousy but that he always delivers at big tournaments.
“Pogba is controversial, the media always talks about him and I think this is out of jealousy,” Ibrahimovic told BeIN Sports.
“He has a big salary and always plays at the big matches and tournaments.”
He continued: “He is the best midfielder in the world and because of that he has a lot of haters.”
Pogba said that it was very important that his side won their opening game and that his goal, which was assisted by goalline technology, was helped a lot by Australian defender Aziz Behich.
“It’s a World Cup match. There are no easy games,” he said. “Australia have done very well. It will be like that all the way through the World Cup.
“It was very important to win the first game. It was difficult. We did not give up.
“On my goal, I was helped a lot by the defender. To score with your ears, nose, or foot – as long as it goes in, it’s all good.”
