It also reignited debate around whether a club like AS Monaco should take the gamble on his return. Former Arsenal FC striker Jérémie Aliadière believes the answer is not as straightforward as Pogba’s ability alone.
“If it’s purely down to football capabilities, then yes, absolutely,” he told Football Presse. “We all know what Paul Pogba can do. At his best, he’s one of the top midfielders in the world.”
But Aliadière was quick to stress that modern football demands far more than reputation.
“No one is bigger than the club,” he said. “If a manager feels like something isn’t right for the dressing room or the balance of the team, then what a player has done in the past doesn’t matter anymore.”
That balance is at the heart of the decision facing any potential suitor. Pogba’s career has taken in spells at Juventus FC and Manchester United FC, as well as a World Cup triumph with the France national football team. Yet his recent years have been defined by long absences, injuries and uncertainty.
Now, following his return to action and a goal in a friendly setting, there are signs that he is working his way back — physically and mentally — towards competitive football.
Aliadière, however, warned that clubs must look forward, not backward.
“You have to think about what the player can give you now and in the future,” he explained. “Not just what he did five or six years ago.”
The former striker also highlighted the broader risks involved when reintegrating a high-profile player after such a long period out of the game.
“It’s not just about fitness,” he said. “It’s about rhythm, confidence, consistency. All of those things take time to come back, especially after everything he’s been through.”
For Monaco, or any club considering the move, that creates a delicate calculation. Pogba’s ceiling remains world-class, but the modern game leaves little margin for players to rebuild slowly — particularly in teams with clear tactical structures and high physical demands.
Still, Aliadière acknowledges the potential upside is undeniable.
“If he gets back to his level, then of course he can make a huge difference,” he said. “Players like that don’t come around very often.”
That is the gamble. A fully fit, focused Pogba could transform a midfield and bring elite-level experience back into a squad. But anything less would raise questions about balance, reliability and long-term planning.
For now, his goal against Brentford is only a small step — but an important one. It signals progress after a long absence and offers a reminder of what remains possible.
As Aliadière suggests, though, the real test lies ahead.
“It’s about proving it week in, week out,” he said. “That’s what matters at the top level.”
For Pogba, the comeback has begun — but the verdict is still to come.