Peter Crouch claims Paul Pogba has what it takes to "move up the pitch" and play in attack for Manchester United in a comparison with Liverpool great Steven Gerrard.
Pogba is a natural midfielder and has played in a central pairing or on the left of a diamond under United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season.
The Frenchman has shown in years gone by he can be a prolific and creative force in the middle of the park, as he picked up 16 goals and 11 assists in the 2018/19 campaign.
But he is yet to start firing this season and he is without a goal or assist in seven Premier League appearances.
And Crouch believes a change of position could be the key to unleashing Pogba's huge ability once more.
"I’d never given that prospect any consideration, but now I have thought about it, I could actually see him moving up the pitch," Crouch wrote in the Daily Mail .
"He wouldn’t be a 20-goals-a-season striker, by any means, but he has all the qualities to be an outstanding link player."
Crouch believes Pogba should aim to emulate Gerrard, who moved up from midfield to play as a second striker and form a formidable partnership with Fernando Torres between 2007 and 2011.
Would Paul Pogba be more effective if he was used in Manchester United's attack? Have your say here.
Crouch added: "I feel Pogba could affect games the way Steven Gerrard used to do when I played with him for Liverpool and England — he’s that good.
"He’s got that star quality about him, you see it when he plays for France.
"I’ve been on the pitch with Pogba and always felt there were two or three gears in reserve that he could easily engage.
"The one thing that has always confused me about him is the desire. Does he want to do it?
"If a game was going badly, Stevie would take it upon himself to beat a couple of men and score a goal — grab things by the scruff of the neck.
"Pogba has the ability to do that. I’d love to see him make it happen."
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