After another UEFA Champions league title under his belt, Real Madrid star Luka Modric will aim to guide his side through what they hope will be Croatia’s most successful Euro campaign to date.
Role in the team
It goes without question that the 30-year-old midfield sensation plays an important part of coach Ante Cacic’s squad. Not only are his experiences with the Madridistas crucial, but his skill places him among the likes of Xavi Hernandez of Barcelona.
Modric’s on-pitch vision, combined with his precise technique and skill, allows the Croatian to dictate play from the centre of the park and often slows down the tempo to better suit his teammates.
His presence in his national team appears to me more important than ever, given a somewhat lack of creativity as well as defensive problems.
He will need to be in stellar form if his side is to progress from Group D, which boasts Turkey, Spain and the Czech Republic.
READ MORE: Euro 2016 – Croatia coach spotlight – Ante Cacic
Recent form
Modric was key in the Los Galacticos’ near La Liga victory, as well as their 11th UCL title.
Domestically, the Croatian made a total of 32 appearances and scored twice, but more importantly, created 61 opportunities for his teammates.
He was present for 11 of Real’s clashes in their successful UCL campaign this season and when playing created 18 excellent opportunities.
If that was not enough, the Croatian star has made 644 passes in the continental competition alone, with an accuracy rating of 91%.
Modric is not the tallest nor the bulkiest player on the park, but he makes up for it in his speed and agility as well as precision.
While it is true that most present day matches are often a physical affair, the 30-year-old’s ability to alter the match to his terms is extraordinary and is nothing less of an asset to coach Cacic.
However, he alone cannot play in all areas of the park, hence his teammates must rise to the challenges ahead and aid Modric by playing their best football.
Luka Modric: Of players to attempt 25+ dribbles in La Liga in 2016, Modric has the best success (88.9%) pic.twitter.com/JmDiqzgIcl
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) April 22, 2016
Conclusion
Group D will be anything but an easy task with current champions Spain looking to retain their title.
Croatia must prove themselves in the opening match against Turkey and will be in need of the creative vision of Modric, whom must pull the strings in the centre of the park.
The Real Madrid star midfielder’s resilience will be a constant requirement for Cacic’s men, undoubtedly aiming to finish atop the group.
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