Manchester United’s Paul Pogba has been slammed for his poor first season back in the Premier League… but he has the second-most touches of all players in the 2016-17 campaign
Frenchman may not have recaptured his Juventus form just yet, but he remains at the heart of all Jose Mourinho's men do
PAUL POGBA has been widely criticised for a perceived sub-par first season back in the Premier League.
The Manchester United midfielder, 23, was the subject of an astonishing £89million move from Juventus last summer.
Naturally, huge things were expected from the Frenchman on his return to Old Trafford.
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However, compared to his Juve days, Pogba has been largely ineffectual, offering only fleeting glimpses of his obvious footballing genius.
Yet the France international can’t be accused of not trying, having had the second-most touches of any Premier League player in 2016-17.
Pogba has touched the ball 2,460 times this season as he has been at the heart of everything Jose Mourinho’s men do pushing forward.
That is second only to James Milner, who is enjoying a sublime season at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp since swapping his midfield role for a slot at left-back.
The former England international has touched the ball 31 times more than Pogba on 2,491, with another Reds ace in third.
Jordan Henderson hold that honour, with 2,423 touches – which is all the more incredible given the fact he’s spent large chunks of the season on the sidelines through injury.
Chelsea pair Cesar Azpilicueta and N’Golo Kante round-out the top five, with Manchester City duo Aleksandar Kolarov and David Silva sandwiching Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne in seventh.
Tottenham and England full-back Kyle Walker and United midfielder Ander Herrera complete the top ten.
Looking at the top 20 players with the most touches this season, it’s clear stars of successful teams thrive the most.
Even the 11-20 spots are filled with Tottenham, City. United and Chelsea players, including Christian Eriksen, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard.
In fact, the only players outside of the top ten clubs in the Premier League both come from Bournemouth – in Harry Arter and Steve Cook in 16th and 18th respectively.
