Xabi Alonso was right about Modric

When Xabi Alonso, the new captain of Real Madrid, decided to call on the board to extend the contract of this "immortal artist", many people were skeptical. However, behind that decision was wisdom and strategic vision that only truly knowledgeable military leaders can recognize.

Value cannot be measured by age

The match at Pizjuán in round 37 of La Liga in the early morning of May 19 clearly demonstrated Modric's worth. In a suffocating pressure scene, when Real Madrid needed a victory to ease the pain of empty hands in the 2024/25 season, it was Modric - not the vibrant young stars like Bellingham or Valverde - who coordinated every beat of the match.

The numbers speak for themselves: 112 tackles (40 more than the next best), 25 more passes than Valverde, 6 scoring chances created (three times more than Valverde), 52 passes in the final third (compared to Bellingham’s 35) and 4 successful ball recoveries. These are not just the stats of an excellent player, but also proof of longevity that defies the laws of nature.

Modric’s talent has not diminished with age. On the contrary, like wine that gets better with age, his reading of the game, his control of the tempo and his control of space have become increasingly refined and effective. That is why Xabi Alonso - a brilliant playmaker of the past - understands the unparalleled value that Modric brings.

Xabi Alonso understands that Real Madrid need not only talented young stars, but also leaders on the pitch - people who can inspire and guide the team through the most difficult moments. Modric is not only an excellent player, but also a living "professor" on the pitch.

Luka Modric is still valuable.

His presence was a guiding light for a generation of young midfielders like Camavinga, Tchouameni and even Bellingham. They learned from Modric not only about pure technique, but also about how to read the game, how to stay calm under pressure and especially how to translate talent into real contributions to the team. This is the "can't be bought" value that Xabi Alonso saw - the value of a teacher, a living icon and an example of dedication.

Extraordinary endurance and exemplary professionalism

Above all, Xabi Alonso's decision was based on an undeniable fact: Modric's incredible stamina and professionalism. While Camavinga, Ceballos and Tchouameni constantly had physical problems and injuries, the Croatian "veteran" still played regularly with surprisingly stable performance.

Modric's 56 appearances in the 2024/25 season - a personal record - proves that age is just a number when you know how to take care of yourself scientifically and professionally. This is something Xabi Alonso especially appreciates - a player who is always ready for any challenge, never complaining or giving up in the face of difficulties. In a squad often affected by injuries, the value of the stability that Modric brings is invaluable.

There is a misconception that retaining older players will hinder the development of the younger generation. Xabi Alonso, with his progressive mindset, understands that it is not an “either/or” equation but a harmonious combination. Modric is not a hindrance but a catalyst for the next generation to mature.

Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni and Bellingham are not weaker because Modric is around; they are stronger. They learn, they are inspired and they are enhanced by the presence of the Croatian wizard. This is the ideal generational transfer model that Xabi Alonso is aiming for - a model that has proven effective over decades at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid is more than just a football club, it is an organisation with history, tradition and core values. One of those values ​​is the respect for the legends - those who have dedicated their careers to serving "Los Blancos".

Real Madrid need Luka Modric in the new season.

Xabi Alonso, as a former Real Madrid player, knows the importance of maintaining this DNA. He knows that the way Modric is treated sends a strong message to the entire dressing room, to the young stars and to the world of football in general. It is a message of loyalty, respect and the value of players based on their contribution, not their year of birth.

Xabi Alonso’s decision was not a calculated or purely emotional one. It was a strategic one, informed by a deep understanding of the value Modric brings – from his technical skills, to his leadership, to his influence in the dressing room.

Real Madrid are entering a new era under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, and in that journey, Luka Modric is not a relic of the past but the perfect bridge between glorious tradition and a bright future. Like a timeless song, Modric will continue to write magical melodies at the Bernabeu, and Xabi Alonso - with the vision of a master - realized it before everyone.

In the modern football world, where talents come and go like the wind, Modric stands firm as an unchanging monument. And Xabi Alonso's decision to keep this king is the clearest proof of the immortal saying: "Class is forever".

Source: https://znews.vn/xabi-alonso-da-dung-ve-modric-post1554111.html