Manchester United star Paul Pogba may never become a "top player" because he lacks "basic understanding" of his role at the heart of Manchester United's midfield, claims Graeme Souness.
France international Pogba, 24, has recently returned to the United lineup after 12 games out with a hamstring injury.
Tuesday evening’s 2-1 win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League was the £89million midfielder’s sixth game back, with United winning five.
Much of the post-game focus on his display has centred around an excellent piece of skill in the second half, as Pogba took out three opponents with one superb turn.
In contrast, Steven Gerrard, speaking on BT Sport, suggested one criticism of Pogba’s game is that he can leave his midfield partner “a bit exposed”.
However ex-Liverpool captain Souness, working on Irish TV, was far more scathing with his assessment of the former Juventus star.
Souness told TV3: “When he is on the ball, there’s lots of things to admire. He’s powerful, he’s got good technique, he can wrong foot people, he can ping the ball.
"Where I question him, whether he'll ever be a top player, is his understanding of the game.
“This isn’t me being an ex-Liverpool player caning a Man United player. I thought the same when he was a Juventus player.”
He added: “That is basic stuff you learn in the youth team. He's 24 years old if he's not got it now when is he gonna get it?
"He hasn't taken a big game by the scruff of the neck and dominated it. He hasn't got a basic understanding of his position, I can't see that changing.”
Pogba has scored three goals and added six assists in his 12 games so far this season. The Frenchman was largely outstanding in the weekend win over Arsenal, before being sent off for a challenge on Hector Bellerin.
United’s decision not to appeal his three-match ban means he will miss this weekend’s Manchester derby.