Back in the pre-coronavirus world, Pogba had made just six Premier League appearances all season and hadn’t featured at all since a Boxing Day win against Newcastle. He has suffered persistent injuries but has consistently flirted with an exit knowing that Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid would welcome him.
He featured predominantly in a 3-5-2 that season, making 49 appearances as a varied supporting cast operated in a team built around his talents, but did feature more naturally attacking players such as Hernanes or Claudio Marchisio. Pogba was able to remain disciplined in such a structure whilst also contribute massively to the team’s offensive success.
Likewise, with Fernandes’ understanding of how to play deeper and what that position entails, the dynamic is one that could prosper. Former Sporting coach Carlos Carvajal referred to the Portuguese as "a No. 8, not a No. 10" and referenced his ability to understand and react to losing the ball. In either a 3-5-2, a 4-3-3 or even with either operating as a more dynamic option in the double pivot of a 4-2-3-1, two smart, immensely gifted footballers can co-exist given their history of the position.
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