Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has tipped France youngster Paul Pogba to become "the best midfielder in the world".
The 21-year-old, who used to play alongside Ferdinand at Manchester United, has been in form for Les Bleus at this year's World Cup finals in Brazil, scoring one goal and providing one assist to help his national side reach the quarter-finals.
In a column for BBC Sport, Ferdinand wrote: "Paul told me before he left that he wanted to be 'the best player in the world'. I don't know whether that will happen, but he will definitely turn out to be the best midfielder in the world.
"As well as his undoubted ability, his strength is definitely his self-belief, not just by statements like that but by how he backs them up.
"He made the big bold move to leave United, the best club in the world in my eyes, at only 19 because he wanted opportunities. He backed himself to do it, which is a big thing to do for a kid of his age, and he has not looked back since."
Pogba is likely to make France's starting XI for tomorrow's quarter-final clash against Germany at the Maracana.
Giuseppe Labellarte
