Deschamps keen to take weight off Pogba's shoulders

At 23, Paul Pogba has Europe at his feet. And what talented feet. On Thursday he woke up to transfer gossip linking him with a British transfer record move to former club Manchester United. In L'Equipe, meanwhile, a poll of erstwhile internationals from the 24 competing nations tipped the midfielder to become the standout player of UEFA EURO 2016.

France coach Didier Deschamps is confident Pogba will take the speculation of a €100m return to Old Trafford in his giant stride: "From what I see of Paul, he's focused on what's coming up with his country," said Deschamps. "The transfer rumours have had no impact on his spirit and attitude. Even if he's young, Paul is used to dealing with these situations."

To watch Pogba train is to enjoy a masterclass in technique. Even in a quality-strewn France squad, his skill levels are awe-inspiring. In training games on small-sized pitches, his range of passing, ability to spot space and array of tricks draw gasps. Football looks so easy to him – and that is arguably his one drawback.

Against Cameroon, in France's penultimate pre-tournament friendly, Deschamps spent the entire first half shouting at Pogba, correcting his positioning. Having been the right-sided pivot in a three-man midfield, the maturing Pogba is still striving to find the right balance in his game.

Deschamps is categorical when he states that Pogba's mission is to be effective, not to entertain. "People expect too much of him because he has above-average technique," he said. "He's not there to make the crowd rise every time he touches the ball. I've told him that sometimes he needs to play in a neutral way. He's a midfielder, not a No10."

Fortunately, Deschamps has a willing pupil in Pogba, whose older brothers Florentin and Mathias are Guinean internationals. Like Pogba, Deschamps represented Juventus with distinction, albeit in a markedly different style. The UEFA EURO 2000-winning captain's perfectionist streak is rubbing off on Pogba, who, frighteningly, still has scope to progress.

Deschamps is not afraid of making tough decisions when it comes to France's No15, such as when he was omitted in favour of Moussa Sissoko against Switzerland at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

"Deschamps tells me I have to do better," said Pogba, scorer of five goals in 31 outings for Les Bleus. "He tells me: 'You mustn't waste that pass, play simpler.' He always gives me the advice I need to improve. I want to progress. I want to become a great player, a top player like he was. He's won everything, the Champions League, the World Cup and the EURO."

Hugo Lloris, Pogba's skipper at international level, says the 1.91m-tall star has already developed from "a great talent to being a great player". The UEFA European Championship is his chance to prove it.