Atlanta United center back Florentin Pogba knows how to play left back.
He grew up playing that position, but he has yet to start or play left defender for Atlanta. That was before Saturday's 2-1 defeat of the Montreal Impact, when Pogba was able to step into a familiar role in his first start at left back.
“The people hadn’t seen me play at left back yet,” he said. “I showed to the fans and also to the coach that I can play at that position. It’s a position I’m comfortable with.”
He said he wasn't surprised with his performance or capability because of his experience. With two interceptions and four recoveries in the first half, the 28-year-old Guinean came out hot and even attempted a shot in the 6th minute. With 86.5 percent passing accuracy, the left-footed defender provided stability on the pitch as Atlanta United bounced back from a 3-2 road loss to Toronto.
“I felt good,” Pogba said. “It’s been a while since I played at left back and playing left back is different.”
Atlanta United manager Frank de Boer said he was pleased with Pogba’s performance Saturday and his ability to be influential.
“He put himself in the team because of his attitude,” de Boer said. “I think he did a great job.”
Saturday’s match was especially meaningful for Pogba as his twin brother, Matthias Pogba, a center forward for the Tours FC, came to Atlanta for the game. Their younger brother, Paul Pogba, plays for the Manchester United and French national team, though he wasn’t in attendance Saturday.
“It’s always great to have your family close by,” Pogba said. “He got to see a home game which is nice in front of all the fans. And we won which is good. So, hopefully, next game I’ll be able to have both of them come and we’ll win again.”
De Boer said that earlier this week Pogba asked if he could play 90 minutes, knowing his brother would be there.
And while he started and played the first 83 minutes, he went down in the 83rd and was helped off the field.
Pogba was signed in February as a Discovery Signing. Saturday was Pogba's second start in four appearances for the Atlanta United. In May, he started at center back against the Vancouver Whitecaps where he had one recovery, two clearances and one missed shot-on-goal in Atlanta's 1-0 victory.
De Boer said he turned to Pogba for fresh legs after Wednesday’s match against Toronto where the defender played only the last 13 minutes.
“We’re not playing with 11 men the whole year,” the manager said. “No, we’re playing with the whole roster.”
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