France and Juventus legend Michel Platini tells Kenan Yildiz to take inspiration from Jude Bellingham, Leo Messi and Zizou Zidane but insists that the Old Lady’s talent must play in the middle.
Juventus legend Platini released an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday about the Old Lady’s opening game against Como and their summer transfer activity.
Yildiz was Football Italia’s MOTM in Juventus’ 3-0 win on Monday when he made his first appearance as the Bianconeri’s No.10.
Platini: Bellingham, Messi and Zidane must ‘inspire’ Juventus talent Yildiz
“If Juventus gave it to him, it means that he wanted it, and so he has personality,” said Platini.
“I wish him the best for the good of Juventus and football. I hope he can be a No.10 like me. Creative. One of those who invents. He must take inspiration from Bellingham, Messi and Zidane. I can’t mention myself because he wasn’t even born when I was playing. And he must stay in the middle.”
It is no coincidence that the Turkish talent played as an attacking midfielder against Como rather than on the left wing.
“This means that Motta has a deep football knowledge,” noted Platini.
“I know him. He was a PSG player. Very smart footballer and man. He’s always done well, and it’s wise to rely on him. He likes attacking and spectacular football. He is the right coach for this transition and to start a winning cycle.”
This, however, doesn’t mean that Juventus will immediately win the title.
“I know that four years without a Scudetto are many, but it happened also when I left. Then, you return to winning. Juventus realised that they could not compete with Real, City and PSG. They don’t have the same means as the Arabs or other owners, so they must create a great collective. In today’s football, directors are as crucial as coaches.”
Juventus parted company with Adrien Rabiot this summer but signed Khephren Thuram, while Paul Pogba is serving a doping ban. What’s Platini’s view on his compatriots?
“Thuram was elegant and with great physicality at OGC Nice. He has the same value as his father, Lilian,” said the Bianconeri legend.
“Rabiot is an excellent player, complete, but his cycle was over. As for Pogba, I don’t know what to say. He was the embodiment of sympathy, but he was also charismatic. Everyone loved him. It’s a shame to see this; it causes me a lot of pain.”
Platini spent five years at Juventus, scoring 104 goals in 224 appearances in Turin.