Modric, the 'Beast'

At 40 years old, Modric is still the player who decides the game.

Some players endure thanks to memory. And there are others, like Luka Modric, who endure thanks to the present.

Last weekend, with Juventus losing to Inter Milan and Napoli's match against AS Roma ending in a 2-2 draw, AC Milan seized the opportunity to catch up. In the 85th minute at the Pisa stadium, Modric appeared in the penalty area, played a short one with Ricci, and finished neatly. The goal, which put AC Milan 2-1 up, not only secured three points but also kept their Scudetto hopes alive.

At 40, Modric is still the game-changer. AS newspaper calls him "The Beast," a way to describe his greatness.

Not a symbol, but a true pillar.

Modric no longer has the long bursts of speed he had during his peak at Real Madrid. But he reads the game faster, touches the ball less, and is more effective.

In 25 Serie A rounds this season, Modric has played in 23 matches, starting in 92% of them. He scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists. The numbers aren't particularly impressive, but both goals secured victories. Against Pisa, it was in the 85th minute. The same was true against Bologna on September 14th. When Milan needed a crucial moment, Modric appeared.

In his most recent match, he completed 93 passes and was awarded the Man of the Match title. This wasn't a reward for fame, but for the tempo he created in midfield.

Milan controlled possession better when Modric was on the pitch. Their build-up play was less disjointed. He controlled the pace of the game.

Milan controlled possession better when Modric was on the pitch.

Statistics this season show Modric has a pass accuracy rate of 61.41%, with 90.34% of his passes in the first 90 minutes of the season being successful. On average, he makes 1.39 decisive passes in the penalty area per game, ranking 4th among the top 20 midfielders in the same role across the top 5 European leagues. These numbers speak volumes about quality, not age.

An unbeaten streak and enduring success.

Milan are currently on a 23-match unbeaten run, having lost only once in the opening round against Cremonese. Modric has been almost always present during this streak. His consistency aligns perfectly with the team's overall stability.

Only nine players in Milan's history have had longer unbeaten streaks than him. Modric now shares the same name as icons like Cafu, Kaka, Carlo Ancelotti, and Zvonimir Boban. Not because he scored more goals than them, but because he contributed to a team that knew how to avoid defeat.

In coach Massimiliano Allegri's 3-5-2 system, Modric is the link that sets the tempo. He's not the strongest tackler, nor the most aggressive presser. But he's the one who makes the fewest mistakes. At 40, his value lies in doing the right thing, doing enough, and doing it at the right time.

Milan are in the process of extending his contract by another year. The current contract includes an automatic renewal clause with a net salary of €4.5 million if the team qualifies for the Champions League. Given their current league position and consistent performance, that possibility doesn't seem far-fetched.

The question isn't whether Milan needs Modric. The question is how long Modric wants to continue.

There are younger players who are faster. There are midfielders who are more creative. But not many players in their 40s can still decide a match in the 85th minute and make an entire season revolve around them.

Modric isn't just fighting against time; he's overcoming it.

Modric is still not old. At the age of 40, Luka Modric continues to win over fans with his world-class performances in his new AC Milan jersey. Many people wonder what the limits of the Croatian midfielder's career are.