Soccer-Pogba 'the Pickaxe' ready to carve out more French glory

By Julien Pretot PARIS, May 24 (Reuters) - France built their greatest triumphs on midfield and in Paul Pogba they may have what it takes to win a third European Championship title on home soil. The Juventus midfielder has been a key element of Didier Deschamps's squad since winning the first of his 29 caps three years ago. Nicknamed "the Pickaxe", the 23-year-old, who has scored five goals with Les Bleus and was named the 2014 World Cup's best young player, left Manchester United for Juventus in 2012, feeling he had been snubbed by Alex Ferguson at the age of 19. With Juve, he matured into a versatile midfielder with an elegant way of shielding the ball, whose ability to score long-shot goals can prove devastating. This season, he scored eight goals from 35 Serie A games as he inspired the club to a fourth successive Serie A title. "I have played with some great young players but Pogba was the best young player I have ever seen,' said former team mate and Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo. "We saw from his first training session with Juventus that he was special. You can build a team around him." France coach Didier Deschamps has perfectly understood that and has been doing his best both to protect Pogba and keep his feet on the ground. "He's been doing very well but he can improve, like everyone. I can be tough on him if needed, that's for his own good," Deschamps said in March. "I have great faith in him." France prevailed at Euro 1984 at home with their 'Carre Magique' (Magic Square) of Michel Platini, Alain Giresse, Luis Fernandez and Jean Tigana. Thirty-two years on, Pogba could well lead Les Bleus to another European title. (Editing by Neil Robinson)