Paul Pogba has openly admitted that he is learning from Takumi Minamino’s smart movement and tactical awareness at AS Monaco. The French midfielder has expressed admiration for the Japanese forward’s professional attitude and dedication on and off the pitch, noting that Minamino serves as a model of commitment for his teammates.
Pogba joined AS Monaco in the summer of 2025 on a free transfer, eager to regain match fitness and reacquaint himself with competitive football before his first official appearance for the Principality club. From the very first training sessions, Pogba was immediately struck by the professionalism and focus of Minamino, who has become a key figure in Monaco’s attacking line. The Japanese forward’s ability to combine discipline with joy for the game left a strong impression on the former Juventus and Manchester United star.
Speaking to Goal, Pogba commented, “Takumi is always the first to arrive at training and the last to leave. I have never seen anyone so disciplined while still enjoying football with such enthusiasm.” This praise highlights Minamino’s remarkable dedication, both in training sessions and during competitive matches. It is a rare combination of work ethic and love for the game, and Pogba sees it as an example to follow.
Beyond Minamino’s commitment, Pogba has also been impressed by his tactical intelligence and intelligent movement on the pitch. “Watching Takumi play, you can see that he is always thinking and calculating. The way he moves and positions himself demonstrates a deep understanding of football. That is something I need to learn from him,” Pogba added. Such insight reflects how Minamino’s approach to the game extends beyond technical ability, influencing teammates’ understanding of positioning, timing, and decision-making.
Since the start of the 2025/26 season, Minamino has maintained consistent form, contributing two goals and two assists in six matches across all competitions. His performances have made him a favorite of head coach Adi Hutter, who values the forward’s reliability and professional approach. Minamino’s disciplined attitude, tactical intelligence, and infectious enthusiasm have not only made him a leader on the field but also an example for his teammates, including world-class players like Pogba.
The dynamic between Pogba and Minamino promises to be a defining factor for AS Monaco as the club navigates a crucial stretch of the Ligue 1 2025/26 campaign. Pogba’s vast European experience combined with Minamino’s energy and sharp tactical mind could form a powerful midfield and attacking synergy. The French international brings leadership, vision, and a winning mentality cultivated over years at the highest level, while Minamino adds clever movement, precision, and a relentless work ethic, creating a complementary balance that enhances the team’s overall strategy.
Pogba’s recognition of Minamino’s professionalism also signals his openness to growth and adaptation, even at this stage of his career. At 32 years old, Pogba is looking to maximize his contributions in Monaco’s squad by learning from younger teammates who bring new ideas and modern approaches to the game. The exchange of experience and fresh tactical insight highlights how top-level football continues to be a learning environment for all players, regardless of previous achievements.
Minamino’s impact at Monaco goes beyond individual performance. His tactical awareness allows him to exploit spaces in opposition defenses, creating opportunities not only for himself but also for his teammates. His understanding of when to press, drop deep, or make forward runs complements Monaco’s offensive patterns under Hutter. Such intelligence on the field ensures that Pogba can integrate smoothly into the team’s dynamics, making quick passes, linking play, and supporting defensive transitions with greater effectiveness.
The synergy between Pogba and Minamino has potential long-term benefits for Monaco. Pogba’s leadership qualities, combined with Minamino’s technical sharpness, can inspire younger players in the squad and raise overall training standards. As a mentor figure, Pogba may help Minamino refine his game in areas such as physical duels, strategic positioning against top defenders, and managing high-pressure situations during decisive matches. Conversely, Minamino provides Pogba with a model of consistency and dedication that can help the Frenchman maintain peak performance throughout the season.
Off the pitch, both players share a professional mindset that contributes to a positive team culture. Pogba has commented on Minamino’s punctuality, preparation, and attitude toward recovery and fitness routines, noting that these habits set a standard for the entire squad. Such behaviors foster mutual respect and establish an environment where professional growth and continuous improvement are encouraged.
Monaco’s ambitions in Ligue 1 2025/26 rely heavily on players who can consistently perform at a high level, and the partnership between Pogba and Minamino adds depth and versatility to the team. Whether it is Pogba controlling the midfield and dictating tempo, or Minamino exploiting defensive gaps and providing incisive passes, the pair’s complementary skill sets enhance Monaco’s tactical flexibility. Head coach Adi Hutter can deploy them in multiple formations, knowing that their understanding of each other’s movements will allow the team to adapt fluidly during matches.
Pogba’s admiration for Minamino also highlights a broader trend in modern football: the exchange of knowledge and skills between players of different generations and nationalities. By observing and learning from Minamino, Pogba demonstrates that even seasoned professionals recognize the value of adapting to contemporary playing styles and embracing tactical evolution. For Minamino, having a player of Pogba’s caliber in training and matches offers a unique opportunity to gain insights from someone with extensive experience in top European leagues.
The ongoing season provides multiple chances for Pogba and Minamino to further develop their partnership. In addition to domestic league matches, Monaco competes in domestic cups, which allows both players to test their understanding in different competitive contexts. These opportunities are essential for building chemistry, fine-tuning coordinated movements, and understanding each other’s decision-making processes under various pressures.
Analysts following Ligue 1 have noted that Minamino’s professionalism and tactical discipline can have a ripple effect across the squad, raising overall performance standards. Pogba’s acknowledgment of this influence is a testament to how individual excellence can inspire collective improvement. The combination of Pogba’s experience, physical prowess, and game intelligence with Minamino’s energy, positioning, and precision provides Monaco with a strong platform to compete against both established and emerging teams in the French top flight.
In conclusion, Paul Pogba’s move to AS Monaco in the summer of 2025 has offered the club not only a high-profile addition in terms of skill and experience but also an example of professional growth and adaptability. His admiration for Takumi Minamino underscores the Japanese forward’s qualities as a disciplined, tactically astute, and hardworking player. The mutual respect and learning between Pogba and Minamino highlight the modern football environment where continuous improvement, professionalism, and tactical intelligence remain crucial for success.
As the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season progresses, the interplay between Pogba’s European experience and Minamino’s clever movements and work ethic will likely continue to enhance Monaco’s competitiveness, making the duo a key factor in the club’s ambitions both domestically and potentially in European competitions. For fans and analysts alike, Pogba’s willingness to learn from Minamino serves as a reminder that football is a game where experience meets innovation, and where professional attitude can make a decisive difference on the pitch.
The ongoing collaboration between Pogba and Minamino could serve as a blueprint for other teams in Ligue 1 and beyond, showing how blending seasoned expertise with youthful intelligence can create a powerful, harmonious, and effective squad. As Monaco navigates a demanding season filled with tactical challenges and high-stakes matches, the Pogba-Minamino partnership embodies the values of learning, dedication, and tactical excellence that are essential to achieving sustained success at the top level of football.
By observing and learning from each other, Pogba and Minamino illustrate that even elite players continuously evolve, adapt, and refine their skills, proving that football is as much about mental sharpness, professionalism, and teamwork as it is about raw talent. Their collaboration will be closely watched as Monaco seeks to leverage the combined strengths of both players to achieve their goals in Ligue 1 2025/26 and potentially on the European stage.