Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba 'a genius and a born leader' - Marcello Lippi

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 15/08/2015 at 15:28 GMT

Legendary former Italy manager Marcello Lippi has lauded Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba as a genius and a born leader who deserves the number 10 shirt.

The 22-year-old has been assigned the club’s iconic number 10 shirt as they eye their fifth successive Scudetto and Lippi believes Pogba is only going to improve further.

"Pogba is a born leader, and he deserves the No.10," the former World Cup-winning boss told Tuttosport.

"By choosing to stay at Juventus, he showed his character.

Serie A

Juve keen to land Gotze, but insist Pogba not for sale

23/07/2015 at 08:24

"Now he must confirm his leadership skills along with his genius, by dispensing with parts of his game that are needless, such as tricks that he does in some areas of the pitch."

Lippi believes Roma and AC Milan can challenge Juventus this season despite the club having lost Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal over the summer.

Paul Pogba is not pushing for a move from Juventus

Image credit: Eurosport

[RELATED: Jose Mourinho rules out move for Paul Pogba]

"Juventus have a clear direction and have made the right signings so they are still the favourites," he said.

"They have been winning for four years so must be considered favourites.

"Paulo Dybala is a player who combines technical brilliance with fantasy, and will be a perfect player once he strengthens from a physical aspect.

"Still, Roma have substantially closed the gap with forwards like Edin Dzeko, Mohamed Salah to play alongside Francesco Totti and Juan Iturbe. Right behind Juve and Roma are Milan.

"Their team has been strengthened and they look more motivated under a coach like Sinisa Mihajlovic."

Serie A

Resurgent Inter win seventh game in a row, Chievo's Inglese sinks Lazio

29/01/2017 at 09:33

Serie A

'I might retire at 65!' Buffon eyes at least another 10 years of playing

19/12/2016 at 19:38

Serie A

Lazio's Immobile rescues draw with stoppage-time penalty

16/10/2016 at 19:07