Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes his former Manchester United team-mate Paul Pogba silenced his doubters with his performances in France's successful World Cup campaign.
France beat Croatia 4-2 in Russia on Sunday to clinch their second World Cup title, with Didier Deschamps' men looking solid – if not spectacular – throughout their campaign.
Kylian Mbappe drew most of the plaudits for his thrilling displays, but Pogba was a key figure in midfield and really stepped up a level in the knockout phase.
Although Pogba's imaginative passing and technical ability were frequently shown, he also provided evidence of a combative side which has rarely been associated with him during his time at Old Trafford.
And Ibrahimovic is adamant Pogba's performances and trophy successes prove his quality.
On a la Coupe du Monde July 16, 2018
"I played with him for two years and people like to give their opinion, which they have the right to do," Ibrahimovic told reporters. "They judge but I think the result speaks for itself.
"You don't need to answer by your mouth, you can answer by your feet, and do what you are good at. That is the way it is supposed to be and the way I like to do it.
"He is young. He won the World Cup, he was in the Champions League final [when at Juventus], the Europa League final [with United], the Euro 2016 final [with France] - and he won many titles at Juventus.
"What more is there to say? Just enjoy the games and I know he will become better."
‘I don’t think Liverpool would look at Ollie Watkins, a striker isn’t a pressing issue for them – it’s Arsenal who need one’ Former Reds star explains why his old club don’t need an out-and-out forward this summer
‘He’ll still be playing at 40 at a good level because he’s in such good shape and looks after himself so well. He does everything to be a top professional’: Ex-Liverpool coach insists Mohamed Salah has plenty more miles in the tank
