Yohan Cabaye has compared Paul Pogba to World Cup-winning Frenchman Patrick Vieira after the Juventus midfielder inspired Les Bleus to the quarter-finals in Brazil.
Former Manchester United trainee Pogba broke a 79-minute deadlock in France's last-16 clash win over Nigeria, which set up a match with Germany on Friday.
Cabaye has hyped his importance to the team and has also supported suggestions that the 21-year-old possesses many similarities to former Arsenal captain Vieira, who played in France's 1998 World Cup triumph.
"Yes, fortunately for us, Paul is like Vieira," Cabaye told reporters. "He is very important for the team dynamic and we just enjoy playing together with him. That unity is the best way for us to progress as far as we can.
"Paul deserved to be man of the match against Nigeria and to score because he is a very good footballer.
"He keeps his confidence even though he has been getting a lot of criticism. He stays relaxed and he knows the team is with him. He showed what he can do on the pitch and it is the best way to give a response to those who criticise him."
Pogba has scored three goals in 15 international appearances since debuting in 2013.
Joe Fish
