Jose Mourinho has labelled his new signing Paul Pogba as the best midfielder in the world ahead of the star’s second debut with the side.

Pogba became the most expensive signing in the history of the game when joined Manchester United from Juventus  a fortnight ago in a colossal £93.8m deal.

Mourinho, speaking ahead of United’s tie against Southampton on Friday, described the player as the best in the world in his position, despite the star not boasting explosive scoring statistics.

‘Can Paul score Ronaldo and Messi’s goals?’ Mourinho said to Goal. ‘Not even 25 percent, I believe. I believe he cannot score 20 goals in a season.

‘So if to be the best player in the world means to score a lot of goals, that’s not the point. But he’s one of the best midfield players, maybe I could say the best midfield player, in the world.’

Mourinho explained that Pogba is calm ahead of his first appearance of the season and that he does not appear to be bothered by the pressure of his price tag.

‘I think his impact will be something very natural, a progressive impact of contribution to improve the team, because that’s what he’s here for – to win trophies,’ Mourinho added.

The coach concluded that often the best players in the world are overshadowed by the scoring exploits of the world’s best strikers, whose comparative lack of goals often doesn’t garner them the praise they deserve.

United’s clash against Southampton is will be played at Old Trafford.

Kick-off is at 21:00.