Canada striker Jonathan David has found an unlikely ally in Michel Platini. The former France and Juventus star has defended the 26-year-old’s troubled first campaign in Turin, even as David leads the World Cup scoring charts with three goals.
David sits alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Germany’s Deniz Undav as the tournament’s joint-top scorer. His clinical finishing has helped Canada make an impression on the global stage, contrasting sharply with his struggles to adapt to Italian football.
The forward failed to impress during his debut season with Juventus, prompting reports that the Bianconeri are willing to entertain offers for the former Lille man. Despite his domestic difficulties, David has rediscovered his scoring touch on international duty.
Platini, speaking at an event organised by the Vialli and Mauro Foundation in Turin, offered a robust defence of the Canada international. He argued that attackers face inherently greater challenges adapting to new teams compared to midfielders.
The former Juventus playmaker explained that integration differs significantly by position. Midfielders receive constant involvement, while forwards depend on service and team cohesion. “I can say that for someone who does what I did, a midfielder, integration can be less complicated: in midfield, you touch the ball a thousand times; in attack, it depends on the team,” Platini remarked.
World Cup favourites
Platini also shared his assessment of the tournament favourites. He named France as the strongest side “on paper” but revealed his personal money would go elsewhere.
“I’d put a euro on Portugal,” the former UEFA president stated, suggesting the 2016 European champions could spring a surprise despite France’s formidable squad depth.
Expanded format praised
The 69-year-old expressed support for the expanded 48-team format, noting its particular advantages for African nations. The expansion has allowed more countries from the continent to compete on football’s biggest stage.
“It’s right to expand it, right to give new realities a chance,” Platini said. “I don’t know if 48 teams are too few or too many, but I know something had to be done for nations like those in Africa.”
David will hope to extend his lead at the top of the scoring charts as the knockout stages approach, potentially reminding European suitors of his capabilities despite his Serie A difficulties.