PFA Team Of The Year: Pogba does not 'deserve' to be in

From Left: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City forward), Paul Pogba (Manchester United midfielder) and Sadio Mane (Liverpool forward) - Getty

Six Manchester City players and four from Liverpool make the PFA Team of the Year - but it is the inclusion of the remaining player that has been the most notable selection.


Despite an inconsistent season, Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba finds himself in the 11, the only player in the side not from the Premier League's top two clubs.

The team was voted for by his fellow professionals, but should Pogba be in the team? And if not, who should be in it instead?

Former England strikers Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, ex-Premier League forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and football writer Melissa Reddy discuss the options.

Pogba does not 'deserve' to be in

France World Cup winner Pogba's 13 goals and nine assists so far this season put him in the top 10 for both categories - but none of the four pundits included him in their teams.

Lineker: Pogba is a beautiful footballer, there is no question about that and has lots of qualities. I don't think he deserves to be in the team of the year because his form has been erratic...

Shearer: I am really surprised...You should respect him for what he has done in the game but he has not been as consistent as he should be.

Hasselbaink: Pogba's individual ability is magnificent but I don't think he should be even close to this team.

Reddy: He is...nowhere near consistent enough. He is not reliable enough and not the reference point for his team.

Who should be in instead?

Lineker: Hazard is probably the closest to Lionel Messi in style - low to the ground, strong, with an electric burst of pace - and I love watching him play.

Shearer: Wijnaldum is Mr Consistent. I don't think Liverpool would be where they are without his performances. He offers solidity and is a leader in that midfield.

Hasselbaink: This boy Rice has caught my eye. I saw him play and followed him, he left Chelsea to join West Ham and they have nurtured him. He does it simply, getting the ball and playing it. He has a pass accuracy of around 80%.

Reddy: Chelsea would not be anywhere near the conversation for a Champions League place without Hazard. He is so quick in his mind so is three steps ahead of you. It is difficult to get the ball off him. BBC