All time best team built around Michel Platini

[2mufc0]

Following on from the Cruyff thread and his under appreciation, i feel as though Platini is even more under rated in drafts.

So how would you get the best out of him? Do you prefer him in a zona mista system like he did for Juve? or in France's magic square?

Same rules as the other thread:

1. You can choose any players unrestricted from history.
2. The tactics and team should play around and get the best out of Platini

 

[Moby]

My team in one of the Auction Drafts, one of my favourites as well and Platini in his absolute element. Two absolute pace merchants to make runs chasing his passes, ample space for him to bomb forward and score and a ton of delicious passing and lobs from all around the pitch to unleash them.

 

[MJJ]

--------C.Ronaldo---Rummenigge
------------------Platini--------
------------Matthaus-Rijkaard--
-Fachetti-Maldini-Scirea-Thuram-Cafu

Something like this.

 

[2mufc0]

Nice Moby, CR7 + Platini is a very good fit.

I also was very happy with this team i built in the 4-way draft based around the zona mista system:

 

[Enigma_87]

Cristiano and Platini in the same team is not that optimal IMO.

 

[2mufc0]

Cristiano and Platini in the same team is not that optimal IMO.

Why do you say that? Out of all the GOAT's Platini's passing is the best imo, with someone like CR7's movement and finishing he would relish being fed by him.

 

[Enigma_87]

a 4-4-2 diamond could probably combine both the zona mista and the magic square.

--------Ronaldo---Romario------
------------------Platini--------
------------Davids---Matthaus-----
----------------Rijkaard-------------
-Facchetti---Beckenbauer--Kohler----Carlos Alberto

Something like this.

2 full backs that would constantly stretch the pitch. Ro-Ro duo up front and a solid midfield base doing the running for him

 

[MJJ]

Nice Moby, CR7 + Platini is a very good fit.

I also was very happy with this team i built in the 4-way draft based around the zona mista system:

Please tell me you won with that side, its almost perfect.

 

[Enigma_87]

Why do you say that? Out of all the GOAT's Platini's passing is the best imo, with someone like CR7's movement and finishing he would relish being fed by him.

There could be some personality clash involved IMO. Also I'd have a selfless CF with Cristiano in the same team so he can provide gaps in the box for him to utilize. Kalle can be that guy but personally I'd have a Ro-Ro pairing with Platini. Both can turn the pace, great finishers and in Fenomeno's case he's great at exploiting channels, whilst the latter can utilize his movement in the box.

 

[2mufc0]

Please tell me you won with that side, its almost perfect.

Lost in the final.

https://www.redcafe.net/threads/the-4-way-draft-finals-tuppet-vs-2mufc0.432103/

 

[harms]

Probably something like this, although the carré magique is tempting to do as well, but it's so hard predict the level of synergy required.

 

[Enigma_87]

Lost in the final.

https://www.redcafe.net/threads/the-4-way-draft-finals-tuppet-vs-2mufc0.432103/

Won the semis tho

 

[Indnyc]

This one from the sheep Draft was as perfect as it gets really.. Maybe replace Stiles with somebody else

 

[Edgar Allan Pillow]

Traditional 4-3-1-2

 

[Physiocrat]

A lopsided diamond.

Asymmetric defence allows a libero, like he had at Juve, but with a traditional back four so in comes Der Keizer. Brehme as a cerebral LWB overlapping and crossing won't be the major route to goal here. Platini score a lot of goals so having two forwards who can drift wide will open space for him to score. Ronaldo often drifted leftward and with the dedicated LWB would work well. Best can provide more width on his own but can get some supplemental support from Gullit. Also Ronaldo and Best will provide loads of passing opportunities for Platini too.

Thinking about it you could go for Stoichkov instead of Ronaldo for someone more selfless than Ronaldo and possibly Boniek for Best but I think Best is a significant upgrade who will work well.

 

[idmanager]

For me a Platini squad always has room for one more GOAT. And having three in front of him in attack would give him the most opportunities to open teams up.

I think Platini and Garrincha would be an amazing pairing with both being their game styles not taking away the element of the other.

Will play the older Cristiano here as he would revel on chances created and wouldn't mind not having too much of the ball as along as it eventually ends creating loads for him.

Can't think of a better striker than Kocsis to be stationed in the box, support Ronaldo and take them chances. Considered Van Basten, but I wanted my No.9 to have very little to do outside the box.

 

[2mufc0]

For me a Platini squad always has room for one more GOAT. And having three in front of him in attack would give him the most opportunities to open teams up.

I think Platini and Garrincha would be an amazing pairing with both being their game styles not taking away the element of the other.

Will play the older Cristiano here as he would revel on chances created and wouldn't mind not having too much of the ball as along as it eventually ends creating loads for him.

Can't think of a better striker than Kocsis to be stationed in the box, support Ronaldo and take them chances. Considered Van Basten, but I wanted my No.9 to have very little to do outside the box.

Just picked up on the keeper. Point made I guess!

 

[idmanager]

Just picked up on the keeper. Point made I guess!

Good eye

 

[oneniltothearsenal]

This was one team I was talking about with a friend over the weekend

 

[Physiocrat]

@oneniltothearsenal Interesting side. I can see Henry and Boniek interchanging well and opening space for Platini to get in the box.

 

[Invictus]

Was thinking of starting a Platini thread, but then stumbled upon this — totally forgot that he had one!

Fairly partial to France's Carré Magique, so I'd base the entire midfield on that — Iniesta as an upgraded version of Giresse as a selfless and efficient auxiliary playmaker to Le Roi, Keane as the box-to-box dynamo over Tigana, and Desailly as the enforcer in defensive midfield zones over Fernández.

The forward positions are the trickiest because while Platini would be excellent as the passing maestro — making him the ideal supplier for someone like Cristiano, you'd also want him to explore the full extent of his goalscoring prowess — like at EURO '84, or even when you consider his remarkable overall goalscoring record for France or 3 Capocannoniere titles with Juventus. Someone who excelled with a high-scoring and overall dominant player would be ideal, like maybe Puskás with Di Stéfano. For the other spot, a forward who could peel wider, make dummy runs and buzz all over like Rummenigge or Boniek will do just fine — the latter probably edges it considering his chemistry with Platini.

Defense doesn't really matter — a generic back 4 with good wingbacks should suffice.

 

[harms]

Was thinking of starting a Platini thread, but then stumbled upon this — totally forgot that he had one!

Fairly partial to France's Carré Magique, so I'd base the entire midfield on that — Iniesta as an upgraded version of Giresse as a selfless and efficient auxiliary playmaker to Le Roi, Keane as the box-to-box dynamo over Tigana, and Desailly as the enforcer in defensive midfield zones over Fernández.

The forward positions are the trickiest because while Platini would be excellent as the passing maestro — making him the ideal supplier for someone like Cristiano, you'd also want him to explore the full extent of his goalscoring prowess — like at EURO '84, or even when you consider his remarkable overall goalscoring record for France or 3 Capocannoniere titles with Juventus. Someone who excelled with a high-scoring and overall dominant player would be ideal, like maybe Puskás with Di Stéfano. For the other spot, a forward who could peel wider, make dummy runs and buzz all over like Rummenigge or Boniek will do just fine — the latter probably edges it considering his chemistry with Platini.

Defense doesn't really matter — a generic back 4 with good wingbacks should suffice.

Seeing as you've considered Boniek, you don't seem to limit your team to the players that hadn't played with him? In that case I don't see the point in replacing Tigana. It's arguable that Keane is better even before you consider Tigana's chemistry with Platini, and the Frenchman's smooth playing style is a much better fit for this midfield.

 

[Gio]

Seeing as you've considered Boniek, you don't seem to limit your team to the players that hadn't played with him? In that case I don't see the point in replacing Tigana. It's arguable that Keane is better even before you consider Tigana's chemistry with Platini, and the Frenchman's smooth playing style is a much better fit for this midfield.

Aye. It's a solid four @Invictus and would be credible if presented in a draft for example. But to be honest the only real upgrade on the magic carre is Desailly for Fernandez in his pure defensive robustness, even though there's a case to be made that Fernandez fits better in his use of the ball from what I've seen. Shows how strong that midfield was that it is difficult to upgrade whilst still maximising Platini.

 

[Fortitude]

Don't see how C.Ronaldo is in so many line-ups with Platini as it's not optimal for Platini.

Platini needs to be in an attack that has zero qualms with giving him the ball back; comfortably without hesitation not minding who puts the ball in the back of the net, and you also want attackers around him who are always looking out for the best positioned player to finish off a play.

Platini can obviously supply anyone all day long, but for him to really come alive, the threat that anything can happen at any given moment is paramount. In this manner, Platini becomes practically impossible to mark and all of the attack is granted extra space as markers have no clue whether to stick or twist on going towards Platini and the ball, or, trying to anticipate where he'll put it as they attempt to pre-emptively run with the man they are on.

Someone perfect for the job from the left would be Henry who has every single attribute plus, vitally, the selflessness in returning the ball as well as the subservience to be a wing-man (in every sense of the word to a superior player).

A combination-playing striker willing to play Henry or Platini in willingly is vital. There a few that come to mind that don't steal the spotlight (I'd not go with R9 for this reason) Puskas, Van Basten, Muller can all fit the bill, as well as Kocsis, Romario or Greaves. Personally, the first three I mentioned came to mind after excluding Ronaldo for the reason mentioned. I think Romario would play along for a while, but eventually, he'd rebel unless he actually liked the other two as people.

I like the idea of being hideously cruel to the opposition, so I'd have Xavi and Falcao in the midfield behind Platini so that the oppo never ever see the ball .

-------------------Henry--------------------Van Basten
--------------------------------Platini
----------------Iniesta
----------------------------------------Xavi
---------------------------------Falcao
R.Carlos-----------------------------------------D.Alves
---------------------Koeman----Nesta
---------------------------Van der Sar

Let's have some mischief out the back and put Koeman and VDS in. Don't want a Liberio beause that takes some of the game away from all those passing talents in midfield, who, ultimately you don't want bypassed over absolutely driving the opposition to distraction and opening up holes all over the place.

Henry goes wide a lot of the time anyway, but some über-width afforded by Bobby Carlos on the outside of him can't go amiss. D.Alves was two wide-men in one at his peak, so he is going to be practically in midfield from kick off in this side and going wide so that VB doesn't ever have to.

Platini would be an absolute imp in a side like this, which affords him all the time in the world to choose what he'll do in all phases of play, be it with him taking over the midfield, or leaving it to Xavi and Iniesta, or ghosting into the box as Falco maraudes or Henry accelerates off on an angle.

It would be a lot of fun to watch, and there'd be goals aplenty.

 

[harms]

I'd rather have Cristiano than Xavi next to him to be frank. I like Iniesta as his sidekick though.

Henry------Rummenigge
Iniesta---Platini
Tigana---Rijkaard
Brehme---Kohler---Scirea---Cafu
Schumacher ​

 

[Invictus]

Seeing as you've considered Boniek, you don't seem to limit your team to the players that hadn't played with him? In that case I don't see the point in replacing Tigana. It's arguable that Keane is better even before you consider Tigana's chemistry with Platini, and the Frenchman's smooth playing style is a much better fit for this midfield.

Aye. It's a solid four @Invictus and would be credible if presented in a draft for example. But to be honest the only real upgrade on the magic carre is Desailly for Fernandez in his pure defensive robustness, even though there's a case to be made that Fernandez fits better in his use of the ball from what I've seen. Shows how strong that midfield was that it is difficult to upgrade whilst still maximising Platini.

Oh yeah, it's not a perfectly calibrated setup by any means. Essentially, I just wanted to create an alternate version of the Carré Magique with the No Mates restriction. Iniesta made invuitive sense over Giresse — thought of selecting Johan II as an upgrade over Tigana, but I've used him a few times already as a generic all-purpose midfielder, so decided to go with Keane because he's the first box-to-box midfielder that came to mind. No Rijkaard either because I've used him a few times in these threads, and he's a blasé option by now (ditto Gullit).

Putting aside the self-imposed Carré Magique restriction, I'd probably opt for this from a previous thread (with Gento/Czibor for Best because Platini, Ronaldo and Messi are more that enough on their own and either of those two would be better for a more low-key role):

https://www.redcafe.net/threads/your-perfect-team.425638/#post-20337339

 

[Šjor Bepo]

Aye. It's a solid four @Invictus and would be credible if presented in a draft for example. But to be honest the only real upgrade on the magic carre is Desailly for Fernandez in his pure defensive robustness, even though there's a case to be made that Fernandez fits better in his use of the ball from what I've seen. Shows how strong that midfield was that it is difficult to upgrade whilst still maximising Platini.

You dont think Iniesta would be an upgrade on Giresse? I rate Giresse highly and was one of the rare ones that used him previously in drafts but Iniesta is all that but just X2. If there ever was a clear upgrade thats in this case IMO

 

[Fortitude]

Not sure there's enough ball for those 4 @Invictus
Not sure Best would play along instead of trying to prove he's the best
Not sure that's anyone's team as you've got 4 superstars who may play in perfect harmony, but would have to agree (make concessions).

I think that 3 of them would sync up effortlessly as they're not greedy players and didn't really care who put the ball in the net.

Have to admit my first thought when seeing that side is it's one of those 'verses the aliens' xi's, not that that's a bad thing, rather, it's a side where no one player is the star or particularly benefitting from others as they're only sort of supporting each other, if that makes sense?

---

@harms nice Rumenigge inclusion. That type of player is custom-made for Platini's optimisation.

 

[Demyanenko_square_jaw]

You dont think Iniesta would be an upgrade on Giresse? I rate Giresse highly and was one of the rare ones that used him previously in drafts but Iniesta is all that but just X2. If there ever was a clear upgrade thats in this case IMO

Not sure i'd agree there, at international level they are quite interchangeable as Giresse gave way to Platini, but Giresse also had fine goalscoring prowess when he was the main offensive midfielder. He had a bit more in his locker as an overall player imo.

 

[Šjor Bepo]

Not sure i'd agree there, at international level they are quite interchangeable as Giresse gave way to Platini, but Giresse also had fine goalscoring prowess when he was the main offensive midfielder. He had a bit more in his locker as an overall player imo.

but we are talking about a team with Platini and there Giresse wasnt a direct goal threat

 

[Invictus]

Not sure there's enough ball for those 4 @Invictus
Not sure Best would play along instead of trying to prove he's the best
Not sure that's anyone's team as you've got 4 superstars who may play in perfect harmony, but would have to agree (make concessions).

I think that 3 of them would sync up effortlessly as they're not greedy players and didn't really care who put the ball in the net.

Yeah, agree — Gento/Czibor are supposed to start on the left, but I couldn't be arsed to edit the graphic, such is life...

Putting aside the self-imposed Carré Magique restriction, I'd probably opt for this from a previous thread (with Gento/Czibor for Best because Platini, Ronaldo and Messi are more that enough on their own and either of those two would be better for a more low-key role)

As regards the last paragraph, some of the lineups are definitely not ideal if Platini is the supposed to be the alpha-and-omega attacker/creator/scorer of the team — I'd honesty retain most of the thematic elements from Zona Mista and Carré Magique if push came to shove — and just make a few functional/qualitative tweaks in a No-Mates style XI.

 

[Pat_Mustard]

Don't see how C.Ronaldo is in so many line-ups with Platini as it's not optimal for Platini.

Platini needs to be in an attack that has zero qualms with giving him the ball back; comfortably without hesitation not minding who puts the ball in the back of the net, and you also want attackers around him who are always looking out for the best positioned player to finish off a play.

Platini can obviously supply anyone all day long, but for him to really come alive, the threat that anything can happen at any given moment is paramount. In this manner, Platini becomes practically impossible to mark and all of the attack is granted extra space as markers have no clue whether to stick or twist on going towards Platini and the ball, or, trying to anticipate where he'll put it as they attempt to pre-emptively run with the man they are on.

Someone perfect for the job from the left would be Henry who has every single attribute plus, vitally, the selflessness in returning the ball as well as the subservience to be a wing-man (in every sense of the word to a superior player).

If we're looking for players who would be more at home in a 'sidekick' role than C. Ronaldo, I'd put forward Rob Rensenbrink for that left-side attacker role. A genius of a player and a match-winner in his own right, but also very comfortable sharing the limelight. In fact. some of his former teammates think it was only a lack of confidence and ego that prevented him from establishing himself in that absolute top tier of players:

Robbie Rensenbrink was as good as Cruijff, only in his mind was he not.

 

[Isotope]

I suggest Ruud Gullit for the right attacker.

 

[Fortitude]

Yeah, agree — Gento/Czibor are supposed to start on the left, but I couldn't be arsed to edit the graphic, such is life...

Ha! I just couldn't help but think Best would be thinking: 'I'm better than all you cnuts, and I'm gonna prove it!' In his head he drove Charlton mad with his self-involved antics at times, and that was someone he considered a mate!

I could also imagine someone as stoic and business-minded as Platini really getting on his nerves after a few scoldings for non-team orientated runs.

As regards the last paragraph, some of the lineups are definitely not ideal if Platini is the supposed to be the alpha-and-omega attacker/creator/scorer of the team — I'd honesty retain most of the thematic elements from Zona Mista and Carré Magique if push came to shove — and just make a few functional/qualitative tweaks in a No-Mates style XI.

Yea, I think these threads are fun because they essentially ask the question of how far the balance can be tipped before the team is lost with regard to its subject matter. Do you want players of equal standing to try and share the limelight? Do you take authoritative players from multiple teams and try get them to mesh and allow delegation?

It's a fine line and I think the character and idiosyncrasies of the subject are really paramount when it comes to composition.

 

[Fortitude]

If we're looking for players who would be more at home in a 'sidekick' role than C. Ronaldo, I'd put forward Rob Rensenbrink for that left-side attacker role. A genius of a player and a match-winner in his own right, but also very comfortable sharing the limelight. In fact. some of his former teammates think it was only a lack of confidence and ego that prevented him from establishing himself in that absolute top tier of players:

Excellent shout. He's often a forgotten man in relation to his actual talent. Definitely a sublime fit in every aspect for Platini even down to the subservience and deference, sadly/gladly.

 

[Gio]

I'd rather have Cristiano than Xavi next to him to be frank. I like Iniesta as his sidekick though.

Hmm I like how Platini and Xavi would hook up together - can see them getting on like a house on fire in the midfield area. It might stop Platini from dropping into the 6 role to kickstart a few moves, but I don't really rate that tendency of GOATs like Di Stefano or Cruyff to do that on top of their attacking qualities.

You dont think Iniesta would be an upgrade on Giresse? I rate Giresse highly and was one of the rare ones that used him previously in drafts but Iniesta is all that but just X2. If there ever was a clear upgrade thats in this case IMO

Marginal one perhaps and a nice like-for-like from @Invictus. But as @Demyanenko_square_jaw said, Giresse was pure class and one of the few 10s who could be shunted to a wider role and still deliver the goods.

Someone perfect for the job from the left would be Henry who has every single attribute plus, vitally, the selflessness in returning the ball as well as the subservience to be a wing-man (in every sense of the word to a superior player).

A combination-playing striker willing to play Henry or Platini in willingly is vital. There a few that come to mind that don't steal the spotlight (I'd not go with R9 for this reason) Puskas, Van Basten, Muller can all fit the bill, as well as Kocsis, Romario or Greaves. Personally, the first three I mentioned came to mind after excluding Ronaldo for the reason mentioned. I think Romario would play along for a while, but eventually, he'd rebel unless he actually liked the other two as people..

Yeah, Henry with Platini is a no-brainer for me - position, attitude, types of runs, service - it all fits like a glove.

 

[harms]

Hmm I like how Platini and Xavi would hook up together - can see them getting on like a house on fire in the midfield area. It might stop Platini from dropping into the 6 role to kickstart a few moves, but I don't really rate that tendency of GOATs like Di Stefano or Cruyff to do that on top of their attacking qualities.

Perhaps, I just love Juve's version of Platini that hanged around the central circle for most of the game, effortlessly controlling the game before scoring a poacher's goal out of the blue. If you take France 84's version that Xavi makes sense, I guess.

 

[Don Alfredo]

Xavi-Platini sounds like a fantastic idea to me. In fact it sounds like a possible solution to the question of "best possession side midfield 3", considering that the only downside of Xavi/Iniesta (when attacking) is the lack of goals. With Platini, you keep all of the playmaking and add an outstanding amount of goals for a number 10.

Not the most physicality, but I can't think of a more sophisticated and balanced midfield 3 for a pure possession side.

 

[Enigma_87]

I suggest Ruud Gullit for the right attacker.

That would be a perfect foil IMO. Him or Kalle are non brainers for that RW spot.

If we lower the quality a bit Jairzinho is also a great fit.