Mikel tips Pogba to win the Ballon d’Or ‘one day’

John Mikel Obi, Super Eagles captain, has tipped Paul Pogba to win the Ballon d’Or someday.

Pogba’s world-record £89 million arrival at Manchester United this summer has yet to be met with performances of a similar magnitude.

But while the Old Trafford faithful may be getting a little concerned with how the France international has under-performed since his arrival from Juventus, Obi is an admirer of the Manchester United midfielder.

“I think he is a great talent who will one day win the Ballon d’Or,”Obi told goal.

The Nigeria international fondly remembers the time he nutmegged the Frenchman at the 2014 World Cup.

“I saw the video again and what made me put it up was his face when the ball went through his legs. It was the funniest thing,” Mikel laughed.

He believes one day, his midfield battle with Pogba may result in the Frenchman trying to get his own back.

“He will probably try to nutmeg me back! One each!” Mikel added.

“I met Pogba after the game against France and he is a lovely guy. He is a lovely human being.

“Now, he is back at United and says that he is back where he belongs; that is his home. He looks like he missed Man United, the way he plays, the way he presents himself.

“Today he is the world’s most expensive football player and he has worked hard since he left Man United and went to Juve. He had a great, great career back at Juventus.

“He is a great talent – it takes the whole team to stop such a player. He has improved quite a lot and become a much much better player. If we come across each other again, I hope can both have a great game and may the best man win.”

Both players could meet again on Sunday, when Mourinho’s United face his former club Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge.

However, Mikel has yet to feature for Antonio Conte since his return to the club after the Olympics in the summer.