Hugo Lloris believes Paul Pogba was motivated to prove his critics wrong during France's 3-2 victory over England on Tuesday.
The Manchester United midfielder was widely praised for an impressive performance at the Stade De France as Ousmane Dembele struck a late winner for the hosts.
Pogba had a mixed first season in the Premier League having moved from Juventus for a £93.25m world-record fee and Lloris suggested his international team-mate was keen to make his mark against England "to show his level".
"Maybe he had some things to prove, because he belongs to one of the best clubs in the world and he plays in the Premier League, and he has to show his level," Lloris said.
"Against England, he was fantastic and as a midfielder he helped the team a lot to manage the ball.
"I have no doubt that he will get better and better."
A young French side that included 20-year-old Dembele, teenager Kylian Mbappe and 21-year-old Thomas Lemar beat England despite playing much of the second half with 10 men following the sending off of Raphael Varane.
"We can be very proud of our performance, especially in the second half, with ten men," Lloris added.
"But we need to improve as a team, because when there is pressure in an important game, we need to be able to get the possession of the ball better, to be stronger too and to manage the rhythm of the game.
"Talent is not enough. You need to work, to work hard as a team, individually too, especially at this level."