Pogba inspired by Iniesta

Paul Pogba is taking inspiration from Barcelona's Andres Iniesta as he learns to live with more responsibility at Juventus following Andrea Pirlo's departure.

Juve released the Italy legend, together with Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal over the summer, thus increasing the focus on Pogba to step up as the team's leader.

But despite initially appearing to falter under the pressure of delivering in their absence as the Bianconeri set out to retain the Serie A title, the 22-year-old has roared back since.

And Pogba has now come out to shed light on the source of his struggles at first, and how he overcame them by taking lessons from Iniesta.

"Obviously without Pirlo, Vidal and Tevez it is a different Juventus. There's more responsibility on the other players and we have to focus more on working as a unit," he told La Stampa.

"The same is true for me. Before I had Pirlo by my side and one of our opponents was always marking him. Now they put the same marker on me.

"I have to find the right moment to make the pass. I must learn, and for that I watch Iniesta."

Pogba was handed the iconic Juventus number 10 jersey following Tevez's departure – a shirt worn previously by the likes of Michel Platini, Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero – despite not being an orthodox playmaker.

But the former Manchester United outcast has said the pride he feels remains undiminished, continuing: "I am not a classic number 10 for my position on the field.

"I consider myself a midfielder and it is an honour to wear the number of so many Ballon d'Or winners. In the history of Juve it is a very important shirt and I want to honour it.

When I look at the jersey, I do not see the number or even my name, I only see Juve: with the desire to give 100 per cent. And win."

Juve's early-season struggles have since given way to a seven-match winning run in Serie A which has taken Massimiliano Allegri's men up to fourth - three points behind leaders Inter - and Pogba is confident about their season.

"The last few months have been different to previous years, when we were always top of the table. Things have changed," he concluded.

"You can't say we are any better or worse than last season, but the other teams have certainly strengthened. Having said that, we are not afraid of anyone."