Top 10 midfielders of all time

#9 Michel Platini

Michel Platini achieve great things for both France and Juventus

In the history of the European Championships, there isn’t a single player that made an impact quite like Platini did in 1984. As captain and the leading light in midfield, he forged an unconquerable partnership that would famously be nicknamed the ‘Magic Square’ alongside Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana and Luiz Fernandez.

Of the 14 goals that the French scored, Platini contributed an incredible 9, a record that stands to this day, including two perfect hat-tricks featuring goals off either foot and a header. Platini lifted the trophy in Paris, beating Spain in the final, producing a 'number 10' master class in front of his own adoring supporters.

Platini also enjoyed great success with Juventus where he won a European Cup and two Serie A titles in his career. Zidane considered Platini to be his idol, the legendary Frenchman said:

“When I was a kid and played with my friends, I always chose to be Platini. I would let my friends share between them the names of my other idols.”

A man who revolutionised the face of French football almost singlehandedly, Platini despite all his faults as an administrator is undoubtedly one of the game's greatest playmakers.