Some players leave behind voids that cannot be filled immediately. In Luka Modric's case, that void became even more apparent as Real Madrid entered a season marked by significant changes in player fitness.
While Bernabeu struggled with absences in every position, Modric, now playing for AC Milan, regularly featured as usual, injury-free, and maintained the rhythm for the entire team in a highly competitive Serie A.
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Modric remains a key player at AC Milan despite being 40 years old. Photo: Reuters. |
Data transcends time.
Modric's endurance is not just a matter of observation. In the league, he is Milan's third-highest-playing player with 1,826 minutes, behind only Saelemaekers and Gabbia.
More notably, Modric was the team's second-highest ball recovery player with 121, a figure that speaks volumes about the workload in an increasingly physically demanding environment like Italian football. Across all competitions, Milan played 26 matches and Modric only missed the full 90 minutes twice; an average of 83 minutes per game.
That wasn't a fond memory from his youth, but Modric at age 40.
In terms of gameplay, Modric is not just the orchestrator. He is Milan's second-highest winner of duels (67), leading in interceptions (29) and accurate passes (1,245).
In terms of creating game-changing moments, Modric ranks second with 3 assists. These numbers illustrate a versatile midfielder: attacking, defending, controlling the tempo, and correcting mistakes made by his teammates.
More importantly, they demonstrate the value of a "durable machine," something Real Madrid is desperately craving during a period of constant squad disruption due to injuries and off-field issues.
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Modric is the type of player Real Madrid needs. Photo: Reuters. |
Burning brightly in the final chapter of his career.
Looking at Madrid, the contrast is stark. Injuries have depleted squad depth, most recently with Rodrygo. Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold have just returned but aren't quite ready yet. Real's midfield boasts many stars, but the kind of consistency that Modric possesses is becoming increasingly rare.
Modric's old quote, made when lifting the Champions League trophy, was once laughed at because of his distinctive accent, but now it resonates even more: "To win the Champions League, you absolutely must have a Croatian player in your squad. In the last ten European championships, they've all had one."
Real Madrid once proved that saying true with Modric – a player who rarely got injured, always maintained high fitness levels, and was particularly good at reading the game. It's no coincidence that his departure left Madrid's midfield lacking a crucial rhythm.
In Italy, Modric's presence has also brought Milan back into the race. Under his leadership, the Rossoneri are competing for the Scudetto with Inter Milan, a far cry from their eighth-place finish and absence from European competition last season.
"Modric is the most successful signing of 2025, surrounded by a host of young players, playing football leisurely with a cigar in his mouth," former striker Luca Toni humorously summarized Modric's journey at Milan.
Modric hasn't renewed his contract, but Milan has made an offer, and the upcoming World Cup could be the final chapter. Whatever the future holds, what's happening now is enough to confirm: Real Madrid are missing Modric.
They not only remember a brilliant player with exceptional footballing intelligence, but they are also lamenting the incredible resilience that the Croatian star once displayed in the majestic capital of Madrid.
Source: https://znews.vn/real-trong-noi-nho-modric-post1626008.html
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