Lloris: 'Warrior' Pogba shut up critics with performance against Holland

Paul Pogba's detractors were silenced, if only for a day, following the Frenchman's starring role in Les Bleus' 1-0 victory over the Netherlands on Monday.

The Manchester United midfielder, who has faced incessant criticism following his world-record transfer from Juventus this past summer, put in a showing worthy of his unrivaled price tag at the Amsterdam Arena, dictating play in midfield and scoring the only goal when he fired a rocket past Maarten Stekelenburg from some 30 yards out.

Related - Watch: Mellow Pogba hands France lead with rocket from distance

Didier Deschamps said after last week's win over Bulgaria that the world's most expensive player "must do better," and captain Hugo Lloris feels as though he accomplished exactly that in Holland.

In an interview with Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC on Monday, Lloris said Pogba remains calm in the face of critics, and has the necessary mettle to deal with those who disparage him.

"Yes, but he's a warrior in his mind," Lloris said. "That's the most important thing. Of course he's very talented, but in football, talent is not enough, and in his mind he's very strong, and very ambitious, so he's going to improve step by step, and he will arrive at the level that he wants.

"Especially after his transfer record, there is a lot of expectation around him. But I think today he showed the perfect response. He helped the team to get the three points, he was decisive today, and maybe he will give us confidence for the next few games."

Pogba's sumptuous strike has France tied for top spot in its 2018 World Cup qualifying group, equal on seven points with Sweden at the summit of Group A.