A lengthier piece to follow tomorrow but, in the meantime, a video tribute to one of my favourite players and a severely under-rated one: Johan Micoud
There are some lovely passes there. Lots to savour.
He seems to understand the need, sometimes, to play the ball in the air in close conditions (only Scholes and the current Barcelona vintage use little chipped passes in and around the area so much). His low crosses - so deceptive and so clever that they are really clipped little passes - are things of beauty. A fine runner with the ball, an intelligent player with a light touch, particularly, when passing he is a joy to watch.
If it hadn't been for Zidane, Micoud would be remembered as one of Europe's great midfielders. Most of Europe, including England, would have killed for his talent. Though England, of course, would have somehow conspired to play him out of position.
Enjoy!
RCM
2 comments:
For being left-footed, he did quite a bit with his right.
Always loved Micoud. His international career wasn't helped by a poor performance in Zidane's stead against Uruguay in the 2002 World Cup (though he was only one of a whole team of underperformers). He still had plenty to give well into his thirties though and Raymond Domenech's neglect of him in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers as France struggled for 12 months without Zizou, was mystifying.
Always a musical sort, Micoud has moved into production and recording in his retirement, setting up his own record label.
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