Luka Modrić ( croatian pronunciation : [ lûːka mǒːdritɕ ] ; [ 4 ] [ 5 ] born 9 September 1985 ) is a croatian professional football player who plays as a midfielder for spanish club Real Madrid and captains the Croatia national team. He plays chiefly as a central midfielder, but can besides play as an attacking midfielder or as a defensive midfielder. He is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of all time, [ niobium 1 ] and the greatest croatian football player ever. [ niobium 2 ]
Reading: Luka Modrić
Born in Zadar, [ 6 ] Modrić ‘s childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence which displaced his family. [ 7 ] In 2002, he was signed by Dinamo Zagreb at old age 16, after showing promise with his hometown club NK Zadar ‘s young person team. He continued his development in Zagreb, before spells on loanword to Zrinjski Mostar and Inter Zaprešić. He made his debut for Dinamo in 2005 and won three back-to-back league titles and domestic cups, being named the Prva HNL Player of the year in 2007. In 2008, he moved to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for a club-record transfer fee of £16.5 million, where he led Spurs to their first UEFA Champions League appearance in about 50 years, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2010–11 tournament. In the summer of 2012, Modrić joined Real Madrid for a £30 million transfer fee. There he became a identify subscriber and helped the team win La Décima and was selected for the 2013–14 Champions League team of the season. After Zinedine Zidane took over Madrid, Modrić was critical to three straight Champions League titles from 2015–16 to 2017–18, each fourth dimension being voted into the police squad of the season. He has won seventeen major trophies at Real Madrid, including four UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and three FIFA Club World Cup titles. He won the La Liga Award for “ Best Midfielder ” in 2016 for the second meter, and the UEFA Club Football Award for “ Best Midfielder ” in 2017 and 2018. In 2015, he became the first Croatian musician to be included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI, in which he was regularly included until 2019, american samoa well in the UEFA Team of the class between 2016 and 2018. In 2018, Modrić became the first Croatian musician to win the UEFA Men ‘s Player of the Year Award, and by winning The Best FIFA Men ‘s Player and Ballon d’Or awards, he became the first musician other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the awards in more than a ten. In 2019, he was awarded the Golden Foot award for career results and personality. Modrić made his international debut for Croatia against Argentina in March 2006, and scored his first international goal in a friendly match against Italy. Modrić has anchored Croatia ‘s “ second Golden Generation “, participating in every major tournament Croatia has qualified for, including the UEFA european championship in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020, a well as the FIFA World Cup in 2006, 2014, and 2018. At Euro 2008, he was selected for the team of the Tournament, becoming lone the second croatian to ever achieve this honor. Following group stage eliminations in his first two World Cups, Modrić led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup Final, and he received the Golden Ball award for best player of the tournament. In March 2021, he went on to become the area ‘s most cap musician in history. furthermore, he has been named croatian Footballer of the year a record nine times between 2007 and 2020. [ 8 ]
early life [edit ]
Modrić was born in Zadar, Croatia where he began his youth career at NK Zadar Luka Modrić was born on 9 September 1985 and was raised in the hamlet of Modrići, which is a part of Zaton Obrovački, a village situated on the southern slopes of the mountain Velebit, north of the city of Zadar in SR Croatia, then a republic within SFR Yugoslavia. [ 11 ] [ 12 ] [ 13 ] He is the oldest child of Stipe Modrić from Modrići and Radojka Dopuđ from Kruševo near Obrovac, both of whom initially worked in a knitwear factory. [ 15 ] [ 16 ] [ 17 ] Modrić by and large spent his early years in the stone house of his paternal grandfather after whom he was named, located on the road above the hamlet of Modrići, [ 20 ] [ 21 ] and was shepherding goats as a five-year-old. [ 22 ] [ 23 ] [ 24 ] however, his childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence —in 1991, when the war escalated, his syndicate were forced to flee the area. [ 11 ] Modrić ‘s grandfather Luka was executed by Serb rebels who were part of the police of SAO Krajina in December 1991 near his family in Modrići, [ 11 ] [ 13 ] [ 25 ] [ 26 ] and after the kin fled, the house was burned to the prime. [ 28 ] Modrić became a refugee and lived with his class in the Hotel Kolovare for seven years ; he late moved to the Hotel Iž, both in Zadar. [ 11 ] [ 29 ] [ 30 ] His don joined the croatian Army as an aeromechanic. [ 11 ] In those years, thousands of bombs fell on the city and football was a direction to escape the world of war. [ 13 ] He recalls it as a bad fourth dimension for his family and something which shaped him as a person. [ 32 ] [ 33 ] [ 34 ] He besides said he was largely unaware of the war because he befriended many other children and their parents did not let it affect their childhood. [ 16 ] In these unmanageable circumstances, Modrić began playing football, by and large at the hotel park lot. [ 13 ] In 1992, he simultaneously entered the chief school and a sporting academy, the latter paid for with the little money the kin had, sometimes helped by Modrić ‘s uncle. [ 11 ] [ 29 ] [ 16 ] As a male child he was inspired to play football by Zvonimir Boban and Francesco Totti. [ 35 ]
Club career [edit ]
early years [edit ]
Supported by his family, he participated in representative camps and trained in NK Zadar. [ 11 ] [ 16 ] He was under tutelage of coach Domagoj Bašić and the fountainhead of the youth academy, Tomislav Bašić. [ 11 ] Tomislav Bašić, considered by Modrić as his “ sporting father ”, [ 26 ] [ 30 ] said Modrić ‘s father made him wooden clamber guards because they had little money. [ 11 ] [ 32 ] [ 34 ] however, Modrić late denied the report. [ 13 ] ascribable to being considered excessively new and light, he was not signed by Croatian power station Hajduk Split, the most example football club in the region of Dalmatia. [ 11 ] [ 16 ] [ 36 ] After displaying some talent, including at youth tournament in Italy, [ 26 ] Tomislav Bašić arranged Modrić ‘s move to Dinamo Zagreb when Modrić was a 16-year-old in late 2001. [ 11 ] [ 13 ] [ 37 ] After a season with Dinamo Zagreb ‘s young side, Modrić was loaned in 2003 to Zrinjski Mostar in the Bosnian Premier League. [ 11 ] [ 26 ] During this menstruation, he established his versatile style of play and became the Bosnian Premier League Player of the class at only the age of 18. [ 38 ] Modrić late said, “ person who can play in the Bosnian Premier League can play anywhere, ” referring to its physical nature. [ 38 ] The adopt year, he was loaned to croatian side Inter Zaprešić. He spent one season there, helping the team to achieve second base stead in the Prva HNL [ 26 ] [ 39 ] and a place in the preliminary round of the UEFA Cup. He besides won the croatian Football Hope of the Year award in 2004. [ 38 ] He returned to Dinamo Zagreb in 2005. [ 38 ]
Dinamo Zagreb [edit ]
In the 2005–06 season, Modrić signed a ten-year contract ( his first long-run condense ) with Dinamo Zagreb. [ 38 ] With the contract ‘s earnings, he bought a flat in Zadar for his family. [ 13 ] [ 26 ] He secured a position in Dinamo ‘s foremost team, contributing 7 goals in 31 matches to help win the league. [ 40 ] In the 2006–07 season, Dinamo again won the league, with Modrić making a like contribution. [ 40 ] He was the main provider for striker Eduardo, [ 38 ] which helped Modrić win the Prva HNL Player of the Year prize. [ 3 ] The succeed season, Modrić as a team master, [ 41 ] led Dinamo ‘s try to qualify for the 2007–08 UEFA Cup. In the concluding play-off stage, Modrić converted a penalty in the second and away regular against Ajax ; the match finished 1–1 after regular time. Dinamo won the match and play-off with a score of 3–2 after extra time with two goals from teammate Mario Mandžukić. [ 42 ] however, Dinamo Zagreb failed to advance beyond the group stage. In his last home peer with the cabaret at Maksimir Stadium, Modrić was given a standing ovation and fans held up supportive banners. [ 43 ] [ 44 ] He finished his four-year tenure at Dinamo with a count of over 31 goals and 29 assists in four league seasons, [ 26 ] [ 45 ] contributing most notably in the 2007–08 season when Dinamo won the second croatian Cup and became champions by a 28-point margin. [ 46 ] Modrić was courted by Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea, but opted to wait leaving the club. [ 26 ] [ 47 ] [ 48 ]
Tottenham Hotspur [edit ]
2008–10 : struggle and success in England [edit ]
Modrić ( far left, No. 14 ), preparing for a couple kick-off for Tottenham against Arsenal in November 2010. Modrić agreed to transfer terms with Tottenham Hotspur on 26 April 2008. He was the beginning of many summer signings for coach Juande Ramos, and was besides the Premier League ‘s beginning summer transfer. [ 49 ] Club president Daniel Levy promptly flew to Zagreb when Manchester City and Newcastle United became concern, [ 50 ] [ 51 ] and after signing a six-year contract, Tottenham confirmed the transfer fee paid was £16.5 million, equalling the golf club ‘s record tip set by Darren Bent ‘s act in 2007. [ 52 ] He got number 14 jersey, late recalling that he wore it in honor of Johan Cruyff. [ 53 ] Modrić made his competitive Premier League debut on 16 August in a 2–1 kill to Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium in Spurs ‘ first equal of the 2008–09 season. [ 54 ] Modrić had a slow start at Tottenham. He suffered from a knee injury early in his tenure and was labelled as a light-weight for the Premier League by sections of the media, [ 37 ] [ 33 ] vitamin a well as Arsenal coach Arsène Wenger. [ 55 ] Reflecting on that, Modrić said that such “ critics push you forward to show people they are wrong. possibly I look lightweight but I am a actually hard person mentally and physically, and I never had any problems with my size ”. [ 37 ] This coincided with his poor form, leading to concerns both for himself and Croatia national team head coach Slaven Bilić. [ citation needed ] Modrić spent his early days at a position of number 10, before being shifted to the leave wing to play aboard Wilson Palacios. [ 55 ] Spurs teammate Tom Huddlestone by and by said, “ [ H ] is versatility was credibly a blessing and a curse, he was that good that he had to play out of position for a piece. ” [ 55 ] After the appointment of director Harry Redknapp, Modrić was given a more familiar role as a central or left-sided midfielder, allowing him to have more influence on the team and use his footballing endowment more productively, for exemplar in a 4–4 withdraw with arch-rivals Arsenal on 29 October. [ 56 ] Redknapp recognised Modrić ‘s rate to his side and planned to shape his new team around the croatian playmaker. [ 57 ] He scored his first gear competitive goal at Tottenham in a 2–2 tie against Spartak Moscow during the UEFA Cup group stages on 18 December 2008. [ 58 ] He scored his beginning Premier League goals against Newcastle United in an away frustration on 21 December, a home win in the third base cycle of the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic on 2 January 2009, and in an aside get the better of against Manchester United on 25 April 2009. [ 59 ] Using Modrić in his erstwhile position from his Dinamo days made him more effective with performances against Stoke City, [ 60 ] Hull City, [ 61 ] and most notably on 21 March when he scored the only finish in a succeed against Chelsea. [ 62 ] Before the 2009–10 season, Redknapp said of Modrić, “ [ He ‘s ] a sin of a player and a director ‘s dream, so I am tell. He trains like a devil and never complains, will work with and without the ball on the field and can beat a defender with a flim-flam or with a pas. He could get into any team in the top four ”. [ 63 ] On 29 August 2009, during Tottenham ‘s 2–1 acquire over Birmingham City, Modrić was taken off hurt with a suspect calf injury. [ 64 ] The follow day, it was confirmed Modrić had sustained a fault to his right fibula and was expected to be out for six weeks. [ 65 ] He returned on 28 December in the London bowler hat against West Ham United, which Spurs won 2–0 with an 11th-minute goal scored by Modrić using the leg he had broken. [ 66 ] He again scored in a home plate winnings against Everton on 28 February 2010, [ 67 ] and in an aside kill against Burnley on 9 May. [ 68 ] On 30 May 2010, Modrić signed a newfangled six-year condense that ran until 2016. Upon bless, he said, “ Tottenham Hotspur gave me my gamble in the Premier League and I want to go on to achieve capital success here with them. Yes, there have been enquiries from other big clubs, but I have no matter to in going anywhere. last season ‘s top-four finish up was an indication of where we are as a golf club and I feel I can continue to improve and go on to achieve everything I want to at Spurs. ” [ 69 ]
2010–12 : outgrow Tottenham Hotspur [edit ]
Modrić playing against Arsenal in November 2010. On 11 September 2010, Modrić scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season in a 1–1 away draw at West Bromwich Albion. [ 70 ] On 28 November, in a home match against Liverpool, Modrić scored a goal that was later credited as an own goal by Martin Škrtel. After a pull against Manchester United at White Hart Lane in January 2011, Redknapp praised Modrić, saying, “ He was incredible. brilliant. He ‘s an amaze football player, the short man takes the ball in the tightest areas with people around him, wriggling out of situations. He could play in any team in the universe. ” [ 71 ] Modrić besides scored in Tottenham ‘s 3–2 victory over Stoke City on 9 April, [ 72 ] and converted a penalty at Anfield on 15 May in a 2–0 victory over Liverpool. [ 73 ] Modrić helped Tottenham reach their first affair in the UEFA Champions League. In the first catch, against Inter Milan at the San Siro on 20 October, he exited the match early due to injury ; Spurs lost 4–3, despite the enormous efforts of Gareth Bale. [ 74 ] On the return match at home, on 2 November, Modrić was given besides much distance to move and dictate the tempo of the match. He created and assisted for the first goal by Rafael van five hundred Vaart in a 3–1 victory. [ 75 ] [ 76 ] In the following match, against Werder Bremen, Modrić scored the second base finish. [ 77 ] After a scoreless draw against Milan, [ 78 ] Spurs were eliminated from the competition in the quarter-finals by real number Madrid. [ 79 ] Modrić played 32 Premier League matches in the 2010–11 season, scoring three goals, recording two assists and making the highest modal number of passes per equal for Spurs with 62.5 and an accuracy pace of 87.4 %. [ 80 ] At the conclusion of the season, Modrić was voted the Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year. Then-Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson said he would have chosen Modrić as his player of the year for that temper. [ 81 ]
“ I spent four big years there with a draw of emotions, with a lot of beloved from the club and the fans. I enjoyed every moment with Tottenham. But in one moment you feel you need to take a step forward, to go to a higher level. I think it was the right time for me to go, but I will always be grateful to Tottenham for everything they did for me. I became a better player there and they pushed me to this horizontal surface where I am at the moment. ”
—Luka Modrić reflecting on negotiations with Chelsea and move to Real Madrid in February 2014. [ 37 ]
In mid-2011, Modrić was heavily pursued by Tottenham ‘s London rivals Chelsea, who made a first base invite of £22 million, which they increased to £27 million, both of which were rejected by Spurs chair Daniel Levy. [ 82 ] [ 83 ] After the fail bids, Modrić announced he would welcome a motivate across London and that he had a “ gentleman ‘s agreement ” with Levy the club would entertain offers from a “ bad club ”. [ 84 ] Speculation continued throughout the summer transfer window, culminating in Modrić refusing to play in Tottenham ‘s opening match of the 2011–12 season against Manchester United, which ended in a 3–0 loss. [ 85 ] Modrić said his “ head was not in the right place ” as he continued to force a affect to Chelsea. [ 86 ] On the final day of the transfer window, Chelsea made an crack of £40 million that was again rejected. [ 87 ] After failing to secure a transfer, Spurs coach Harry Redknapp told Modrić to focus on his play and named him as a starter. [ 88 ] On 18 September, he scored his first base goal of the season for Tottenham with a shoot from 25 yd ( 23 megabyte ) in a 4–0 family win against Liverpool. [ 89 ] On 14 January 2012, Modrić scored the only finish in a home string with Wolverhampton Wanderers. [ 90 ] On 31 January in a 3–1 gain against Wigan Athletic, he assisted for the first goal with a crossfield exceed and scored the second gear from 20 yd ( 18 thousand ). [ 91 ] For the third base time that temper, he was included in “ team of the Week ”. [ 92 ] Modrić scored his last goal for Tottenham on 2 May in a 1–4 away win against Bolton Wanderers with a brawny volley from 25 yd ( 23 molarity ). [ 93 ]
real Madrid [edit ]
2012–13 : Becoming a starting eleven player in Real Madrid [edit ]
Modrić playing against Sevilla in February 2013. On 27 August 2012, Real Madrid announced they had agreed on a distribute with Tottenham for an approximate £30 million transfer fee. [ 94 ] Modrić signed a five-year shrink with the spanish club. [ 94 ] [ 95 ] Two days late, he made his real Madrid debut against Barcelona in the second peg final examination of the 2012 Supercopa de España at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, replacing Mesut Özil in the 83rd infinitesimal. Madrid won the match, giving Modrić his first trophy with the club 36 hours after his sign was announced. [ 96 ] Despite his positive debut, Modrić at first gear struggled to settle into the team under director José Mourinho because of his miss of pre-season trail, which he missed as a result of his ongoing transfer negotiations. [ 37 ] The presence of veteran midfielder Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira in defensive midfield, and Özil in offensive midfield, normally kept Modrić out of the starting line-up, limiting him to substitute appearances. He largely played out-of-position for his beginning few months at the club. He played his first UEFA Champions League couple for Real Madrid in the group phase against Manchester City on 18 September, which Madrid won 3–2. On 3 November, Modrić scored his first goal for real Madrid in the end minute of their 4–0 victory over real Zaragoza in La Liga. [ 97 ] On 17 November, Modrić assisted a Karim Benzema goal, which was finally ruled an own finish by Jon Aurtenetxe, with a 50 molarity ( 55 yd ) cross-field run. It was the first base finish in a 5–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao. [ 98 ] His most luminary match that year was on 4 December, when he assisted for the first two goals of Cristiano Ronaldo and José Callejón with cross-field passes in a 4–1 victory over Ajax in the group stage of the Champions League. [ 99 ] [ 100 ] [ 101 ] At the end of the year he was voted as the worst sign of the season by spanish newspaper Marca. [ 102 ] Modrić started in Real Madrid ‘s home match against rivals Barcelona on 2 March 2013. From a corner gripe, he assisted Sergio Ramos to score the winning goal in the 82nd minute, giving Real a victory in El Clásico. On 5 March, Modrić came on as a second-half alternate during the critical Champions League knockout leg against ten-man Manchester United at Old Trafford. With Madrid behind by a goal, Modrić equalised with a long-range stroke from 25 yd ( 23 megabyte ) out and played a key function in the rest of the match, which Real Madrid won 2–1, advancing them to the quarter-finals 3–2 on aggregate. [ 103 ] [ 104 ] [ 105 ] This match is frequently seen as the turning point in Modrić ‘s career in Real Madrid. [ 37 ] On 16 March, he replicated this performance against Mallorca, giving real Madrid the lead with a long-range volley from 30 yd ( 27 m ) ; real Madrid won the peer 5–2. [ 106 ] Modrić played as a starter in both Champions League semi-final matches against Borussia Dortmund. In the first leg on 24 April, he played in the attacking midfield position where he did not influence the match and the team lost 4–1. On 30 April, in the second branch 2–0 victory, Modrić played as the deep-lying playmaker, making passes to the attackers and creating several chances ; he was among the best-rated players that night. [ 107 ] [ 108 ] [ 109 ] From March 2013, Modrić ‘s form and influence in the midfield continued to improve, distinguishing himself as a actor with most passes completed in his team. On 8 May, he assisted from the corner for the first gear goal and scored the fourth goal in a 6–2 victory over Málaga. [ 110 ]
2013–15 : Best midfielder in Spain and La Décima [edit ]
“ He ‘s the steer of midfield in a complicate environment. Every day in Madrid coerce is coming at you from all sides. Modrić not only withstands the pressure but has grown among it to be Madrid ‘s best player, with [ Cristiano ] Ronaldo. ”
— Predrag Mijatović praises Modrić ‘s rising performance and meaning for the team in January 2014. [ 111 ]
With the arrival of raw coach Carlo Ancelotti, Modrić became one of the most frequent starters in the team, being partnered in midfield with Xabi Alonso to provide a balance of defense and attack. [ 112 ] [ 113 ] He was systematically the team ‘s most effective passer, averaging 90 % accuracy in La Liga, and besides having the most ball recoveries among the team. [ 37 ] [ 55 ] [ 112 ] He scored his inaugural goal of the 2013–14 season in the survive Champions League group match against Copenhagen, making it his fifth goal for the club, all five of which were scored from the outside the penalty area. [ 114 ] Modrić scored his inaugural goal of the Liga season in a 3–0 aside win against Getafe, his sixth finish outside the punishment area. [ 115 ] Modrić was on the slope when Real Madrid won the 2013–14 Copa del Rey after defeating Barcelona 2–1 in the concluding. [ 116 ] In the first gear peg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Modrić intercepted the musket ball and assisted Cristiano Ronaldo for the third goal in Real Madrid ‘s 3–0 home victory against Borussia Dortmund. The goal was ultimately decisive because very went on to lose 2–0 in the second leg, but progressed with a bare aggregate grade of 3–2. In his hundredth appearance for the baseball club, [ 117 ] Modrić assisted for the first finish in the second leg 4–0 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final, helping Real Madrid reach the final for the first base meter in 12 years. [ 118 ] He was included in UEFA ‘s team of the Week for both legs of the semi-final. [ 119 ] [ 120 ] On 24 May in the final, Modrić again assisted from a corner for teammate Sergio Ramos, who scored a 93rd-minute counterweight against local rivals Atlético Madrid. Real won 4–1 in extra clock time, marking the club ‘s one-tenth Champions League title, locally known as la Décima ( “ the tenth ” ). [ 121 ] He was included in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season [ 122 ] and received the LFP prize for the “ Best Midfielder ” of the spanish inaugural league of that temper. [ 123 ] In August 2014, Modrić signed a new compress to stay at Real Madrid until 2018. [ 124 ] With the passing of Alonso he was partnered with newly arrived Toni Kroos. [ 125 ] Real Madrid began the 2014–15 temper by winning the UEFA Super Cup over Sevilla [ 126 ] Modrić assisted doubly for Bale, first against Real Sociedad in La Liga, [ 127 ] and moment against Basel in the Champions League. [ 128 ] [ 129 ] In the 2–0 aside win against Villarreal, Modrić scored his seventh goal from outside of the box. [ 130 ] In late November, Modrić sustained a second joint injury during an international catch against Italy, because of which he did not play for three months. [ 131 ] He returned in early March 2015, starting in seven matches and proving his form. [ 132 ] On 21 April, in the 3–1 home succeed against Málaga, he strained ligaments in his right stifle, because of which he did not play until May. [ 133 ] [ 134 ] [ 135 ] With his injury, Real Madrid ‘s 22-match fetching run in the temper came to an end. His absence and the lack of a quality ersatz were seen as the main lawsuit of Real Madrid ‘s failure to win matches in La Liga and the Champions League. [ 136 ] Ancelotti said, “ Modrić has missed most of the year and this has hurt us ”. [ 137 ] Modrić ‘s influence was recognised and he was selected by professional players in the FIFA FIFPro World XI. [ 138 ]
2015–17 : Among best world players and La Undécima and Duodécima [edit ]
For the 2015–16 season, Carlo Ancelotti was replaced by Rafael Benítez under whom Modrić continued to be a key midfield player. [ 139 ] [ 140 ] Modrić began the season assisting in September, November and December, and scoring in the 3–4 away win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League group degree. [ 141 ] He sustained a brawny groin injury during an international equal against Bulgaria in October, initially suggesting an absence of two-to-three weeks. [ 142 ] however, by 20 October, he had recovered in time for the match against Paris Saint-Germain. [ 143 ] With the arrival of new coach Zinedine Zidane in January 2016, [ 144 ] the relationship between them was noted in the media, with Modrić described as “ victor of the game ”, [ 139 ] [ 145 ] and the crucial “ connection ” of the defensive structure and assail. [ 146 ] It was seen in the foremost three matches, wins against Deportivo de La Coruña and Sporting de Gijón and a disembowel against Real Betis, in which Modrić was praised for creating chances, his aligning and overall performance and influence. [ 139 ] [ 146 ] [ 147 ] On 7 February, Modrić scored a winning goal from outside the box in a 1–2 away win against Granada. [ 148 ] Modrić was a regular in the starting line-up when the team won the 2015–16 Champions League in the final against Atlético Madrid. [ 149 ] He was included in both Champions League, [ 150 ] and La Liga ‘s team of the season. [ 151 ] For the second time, he besides received the LFP award for the “ Best Midfielder ” of the spanish foremost league. [ 152 ] He was for the second time included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI. [ 153 ] On 18 October 2016, Modrić signed a modern narrow with Real Madrid, keeping him at the clubhouse until 2020. [ 154 ] due to injury of a left stifle sustained in mid-september, he missed eight matches, returning early November. [ 155 ] On 18 December, he won the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid, receiving the Silver Ball for his performances during the tournament. [ 156 ] In January 2017, for the foremost clock time was included in the UEFA Team of the Year ( 2016 ). [ 157 ] On 12 March 2017, in a 2–1 succeed over Real Betis, Modrić played his two-hundredth match for Real Madrid. [ 158 ] Modrić was a regular starter when Real Madrid won the 2016–17 La Liga, [ 159 ] [ 160 ] a well as the 2016–17 UEFA Champions League, where he provided the assist for Cristiano Ronaldo ‘s second gear goal in the concluding against Juventus. [ 161 ] Modrić was included in Champions League team of the season [ 162 ] and became the first croatian to win the Champions League three times. [ 163 ] He besides received the UEFA Club Football award for Best Midfielder of the Champions League season. [ 164 ] In the competition for the UEFA Men ‘s Player of the Year Award, he came fourth, [ 165 ] while for 2017 Ballon d’Or, one-fifth. [ 166 ] For the third fourth dimension, he was besides included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI. [ 167 ]
2017–18 : Ballon d’Or and third gear consecutive Champions League style [edit ]
With the departure of James Rodríguez to Bayern Munich, Modrić inherited the team ‘s covet number 10 jersey for the new 2017–18 season, replacing his previous number 19 jersey. [ 168 ] In December, he won the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid and received the Golden Ball award as the best musician of the rival for his performance. [ 169 ] His beginning finish of the temper came in a 7–1 winnings over Deportivo de La Coruña on 21 January 2018. [ 170 ] In the lapp month was for the second time included in the UEFA Team of the Year ( 2017 ). [ 171 ] Modrić was a regular appetizer when Real Madrid won the 2017–18 UEFA Champions League, starting in the concluding victory against Liverpool which saw Madrid win their third base back-to-back title. [ 172 ] For his performances throughout the campaign, Modrić was included in Champions League team of the season for the third consecutive prison term. [ 173 ] He former received the UEFA Club Football Award for Best Midfielder of the Champions League season for the second consecutive time. [ 174 ]
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ascribable to his club, and national team performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where besides received the Golden Ball, [ 175 ] in August and September Modrić won the UEFA Men ‘s Player of the Year Award and The Best FIFA Men ‘s Player Award, [ 176 ] [ 177 ] while in December, he added the Ballon d’Or to his personal tally, [ 178 ] marking the inaugural time since 2007 that the award was not won by Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, which polarized the people involved in the fun into two camps about the credibility of the prize. [ 178 ] [ 179 ] [ 180 ] Furthermore, besides becoming the first Croatian actor to win these awards, [ 181 ] Modrić was the beginning player to win both the World Cup Golden Ball and the UEFA Men ‘s Player of the Year Award in the same year since Ronaldo in 1998, [ 182 ] and the World Cup Golden Ball and the Best FIFA Men ‘s Player of the Year Award after Romário in 1994. [ 183 ] additionally, he is the beginning musician to win the awards from the former Yugoslavia territory, the first gear football player from Eastern Europe to win a Ballon d’Or after Andriy Shevchenko in 2004, [ 184 ] [ 185 ] and the tenth player from actual Madrid to capture the trophy. [ 186 ] Furthermore, winning the trophy triggered a article in his narrow, ensuring his stay at the club until 2021. [ 187 ] He was besides included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI for the fourthly time, [ 188 ] and won the IFFHS World ‘s Best Playmaker award. [ 189 ] After receiving the FIFA Men ‘s Player of the Year Award, Modrić stated it “ shows that we all can become the best with hard exercise, commitment, and belief, all dreams can come true ”. [ 190 ] Modrić dedicated the Ballon d’Or to “ all the players who probably deserved to win it and did n’t ” in the past ten, including Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Wesley Sneijder among others. [ 178 ]
The arrival of new director Julen Lopetegui in August 2018 experience Modrić given a regular return to the first gear team as a substitute due to his lack of pre-season aim after the 2018 World Cup. [ 191 ] [ 192 ] This included a utility appearance in his team ‘s 2–4 personnel casualty after excess time against Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup. [ 193 ] His beginning begin of the season came on 1 September in a 4–1 home win against Leganés, in which he assisted his side ‘s one-third finish, scored by Karim Benzema. [ 194 ] His hundredth appearance in the UEFA clubhouse competition came on 19 September in a 3–0 home win against Roma, [ 22 ] in which he assisted the second goal, scored by Gareth Bale. [ 195 ] On 22 December, Modrić won his third FIFA Club World Cup, scoring the first goal and assisting for the third in the final against Al Ain. [ 196 ] On 13 and 19 January 2019, Modrić for the beginning time scored in two back-to-back league games for Real Madrid, in a 1–2 away win against Real Betis and 2–0 home acquire against Sevilla. [ 197 ] [ 198 ] In the lapp calendar month was included in the UEFA Team of the Year ( 2018 ) for the third time in his career. [ 199 ] From 27 February to 5 March, Modrić went through what he described as “ the most unmanageable week of his football life sentence, ” [ 200 ] with Real Madrid losing to Barcelona doubly and Ajax and crashing out of Copa del Rey, title race and the Champions League, respectively. [ 201 ] [ 202 ] [ 203 ] Despite having had an underwhelming season, [ 204 ] for the fifth back-to-back time he was included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI. [ 205 ] On 27 August 2019 was the seventh anniversary of Modrić ‘s sign with the club. [ 206 ] Although raising doubts due to age of 34 and decisiveness to continue playing with the national team which makes him prone to injuries, [ 207 ] Modrić stated that wants to “ recapture his best kind this season “. [ 204 ] On 1 September and 9 November made his first assists in a 2–2 away puff against Villarreal and in a 0–4 away victory against Eibar, [ 208 ] [ 209 ] while first goal on 5 October in a 4–2 home plate victory against Granada. [ 210 ] On 12 November was awarded with a golden Foot award. On 23 November he made two assists and scored a goal in a 3–1 home victory against Real Sociedad. [ 212 ] On 8 January 2020, Modrić scored his fifth goal of the season and 100th career goal in a 3–1 victory against Valencia in the semi-finals of 2019–20 Supercopa de España. [ 213 ] On 12 January he successfully converted a punishment in a gunfight as real Madrid exhaust Atlético Madrid 4–1 on penalties in the final. [ 214 ] Following the sequel of La Liga after a three calendar month pause due to COVID-19 pandemic, Modrić was praised for being one of Real Madrid ‘s best players despite his historic period, resulting in numerous media outlets wondering about extension of his compress with the club. [ 215 ] On 16 July, he assisted Benzema ‘s afford finish in a 2–1 victory over Villarreal, as real Madrid secured the league deed. [ 216 ] [ 217 ] On 21 October, he scored his beginning finish of the 2020–21 season in a Champions League 3–2 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk. [ 218 ] The finish made him the fourth player in the history of the club to score in the rival aged 35 or more, aboard Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás and Francisco Gento. [ 219 ] It was named the Goal of the Week by UEFA. [ 220 ] Three days late, he came off the bench to score his beginning ever El Clásico goal, as real Madrid defeated Barcelona 3–1. [ 221 ] [ 222 ] On 25 May 2021, he extended his abridge with Real Madrid until 2022. [ 223 ] On 24 October 2021, Modrić played his four-hundredth game for Real Madrid in a 2–1 Clásico victory. [ 224 ] On 30 October, Modrić captained Real Madrid for the first time, after Marcelo had given him the armband upon being substituted off in the 2–1 victory over Elche. [ 225 ] [ 226 ]
International career [edit ]
Modrić began his international career at young person level, playing for the croatian under-15, under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-21 teams. [ 38 ] He debuted in March 2001 for the under-15 team coached by Martin Novoselac, but however his talent and psychological maturity, he did not become a regular starter and leading actor until physically strengthened and debuted for under-18. Novoselac considers him as a model for all young players because is a result of a gradual and continuous work and attempt, deoxyadenosine monophosphate well as talent. Modrić made his full international debut for Croatia on 1 March 2006 in a friendly match against Argentina in Basel, which Croatia won 3–2. [ 38 ]
2006–08 : 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008 [edit ]
Modrić made two appearances at the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals as a ersatz in the group fixtures against Japan, [ 228 ] and Australia. [ 229 ] With the appointment of new director Slaven Bilić, Modrić earned greater recognition at international flat ; he scored his beginning finish in Croatia ‘s 2–0 friendly win over populace champions Italy on 16 August 2006 in Livorno. [ 230 ] Modrić ‘s performances ensured a regular place in the international side and he gave a successful show in Croatia ‘s UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying crusade, which included home and away victories against England. [ 231 ] [ 232 ] As a young midfielder, much was expected of Modrić ; he was frequently dubbed “ the croatian Cruyff ”. [ 48 ] [ 233 ] Modrić scored Croatia ‘s first goal of Euro 2008, converting a penalty in the fourth minute of their 1–0 victory against hosts Austria on 8 June 2008 and becoming the team ‘s youngest always goalscorer at the european Championships ( aged 22 years and 273 days ). [ 234 ] [ 235 ] It was besides the fastest penalty ever awarded and scored in the european Championships history. [ 236 ] He continued to impress at the tournament and was named UEFA Man of the Match in Croatia ‘s adjacent peer when they defeated one of the pre-tournament favourites and eventual finalists Germany. [ 237 ] In the quarter-final against Turkey, Modrić took advantage of a err by veteran Turkish goalkeeper Rüştü Reçber, and crossed to teammate Ivan Klasnić for the foremost goal of the match with one infinitesimal of supernumerary time remaining, but Semih Şentürk about immediately equalised for Turkey. In the ensuing penalty gunfight, Modrić ‘s kick was off-target and he failed to score the first penalty and Turkey won the gunfight 3–1. [ 238 ] At the end of the competition, Modrić was included in the UEFA Team of the Tournament, becoming merely the second Croatian to achieve this honor after Davor Šuker. [ 239 ]
2008–16 : subsequent struggles [edit ]
In the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Modrić scored three goals, against Kazakhstan, [ 240 ] Andorra, [ 241 ] and Ukraine ; [ 242 ] matching Ivica Olić, Ivan Rakitić and Eduardo. The team failed to qualify finishing one point behind second-placed Ukraine. After appearing in all of their UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying matches and scoring a goal against Israel, [ 243 ] Modrić started in all three of Croatia group stage matches against the Republic of Ireland, Italy and Spain, but the team failed to progress. His most celebrated performance was against Spain. The most memorable moment of the match came when Modrić picked the ball on the center line skipping Spain ‘s midfield trio, rushing down on the right to reach the penalty area where he evaded a defender and crossed from 18 yd ( 16 thousand ) to Ivan Rakitić, but Iker Casillas saved this attack. [ 244 ] [ 245 ] Because Croatia did not advance from the group stage, Modrić was not included in the team of the Tournament, although The Daily Telegraph included him in the best 11 until the semi-finals, [ 246 ] and his play was well received by critics. [ 247 ] [ 248 ]
After the playoffs, Modrić with the croatian team qualified for the 2014 World Cup. They entered Group A with hosts Brazil, Mexico and Cameroon. Croatia played the opening equal against Brazil, which they lost 3–1, [ 249 ] and Modrić sustained a minor foundation injury. [ 250 ] [ 251 ] In the second base match, Croatia won 4–0 against Cameroon, [ 252 ] but did not progress to the hard degree after losing 3–1 to Mexico, [ 253 ] despite the great expectations from the croatian compress and populace. [ 254 ] In the Euro 2016 qualifying rounds, Modrić scored his first goals for Croatia in three years, the first against Malta on his 29th birthday with a long-range dart, [ 255 ] then a penalty against Azerbaijan. [ 256 ] On 3 March 2015, Modrić captained Croatia for the first time, in an away trace against Azerbaijan. [ 257 ] In the tournament proper, Modrić scored the match-winning goal in Croatia ‘s opening group stage peer against Turkey, a volley from 25 metres ( 28 yards ). [ 258 ] In so doing, he became the beginning croatian to score at the finals of two separate european Championships, having previously scored against Austria in 2008. [ 259 ] He was named Man of the Match. [ 258 ] Modrić was forced to miss the crucial repair against Spain on 21 June because of a minor muscleman wound. [ 260 ] [ 261 ] however, Croatia won and topped the group, [ 262 ] but lost to Portugal 0–1 in extra-time in the round of 16. [ 263 ]
2016–18 : Golden Ball of the 2018 World Cup [edit ]
Modrić with Croatia during the World Cup. For Croatia ‘s 2018 World Cup qualifying crusade, Modrić became the newly team captain, following Darijo Srna ‘s retirement. [ 264 ] Croatia started the crusade well ; however, following 1–0 defeats to Iceland [ 265 ] and Turkey [ 266 ] and a 1–1 attract with Finland ( in which Modrić made his hundredth appearance for the home team ), [ 267 ] [ 268 ] Croatia seriously compromised their qualification for the tournament. [ 269 ] [ 270 ] This caused Modrić to publicly state his lack of confidence in coach Ante Čačić. [ 271 ] [ 272 ] [ 273 ] Čačić was soon replaced by Zlatko Dalić ahead of Croatia ‘s final qualifier against Ukraine away, [ 274 ] which Croatia won 2–0 and won a place in the play-offs. [ 275 ] Modrić scored a penalty in the 4–1 victory over Greece in the second qualify polish, [ 276 ] enabling his team to qualify for the World Cup. Croatia were placed in Group D alongside Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria. During the tournament, Modrić—along with Ivan Rakitić and Mario Mandžukić—were referred to as Croatia ‘s second “ aureate generation ”. [ 277 ] [ 278 ] In Croatia ‘s opening winnings against Nigeria, Modrić once again successfully executed a penalty bang and was named Man of the Match. [ 279 ] [ 280 ] He besides scored in Croatia ‘s subsequent 3–0 gain over Argentina with a long-range stroke from 25 yards ( 23 metres ), [ 281 ] besides being named Man of the Match. [ 282 ] [ 283 ] After besides featuring in the final examination group stage pit, against Iceland, his performances in the first round of the tournament saw him ranked by FourFourTwo, The Daily Telegraph and ESPN as the best player of the group stage. [ 284 ] [ 285 ] [ 286 ] In the turn of 16 against Denmark on 1 July, with the score tied at 1–1, Modrić created a goalscoring opportunity for Ante Rebić in the second half of extra-time, who was brought down in the penalty sphere ; Modrić proceeded to take the penalty, but his fall upon was saved by Kasper Schmeichel. however, Modrić managed to score his spot-kick during the ensuing punishment shoot-out and Croatia advanced to the following round following a 3–2 victory on penalties. [ 287 ] [ 288 ] [ 289 ] In the quarter-finals against hosts Russia on 7 July, Modrić provided an aid in extra-time for Domagoj Vida from a recess bang, and once again scored in the victorious penalty shoot-out following a 2–2 draw ; he was named Man of the Match for the third time in the tournament. [ 290 ] [ 291 ] In the semi-final against England on 11 July, Croatia advanced to the World Cup final examination for the first time in their history following a 2–1 victory in extra time. [ 292 ] It was reported two days before the final match that Modrić ran the most miles out of any player and was third by produce chances, american samoa well had most dribbles per match and completed passes in the adversary ‘s half in his team. [ 293 ] Although Croatia were beaten 4–2 by France in the final examination on 15 July, [ 294 ] Modrić was awarded the Golden Ball for the best player of the tournament, [ 175 ] and was included in the team of the Tournament. [ 295 ] [ 296 ] After the team ‘s huge welcome in Zagreb, [ 297 ] Modrić and his teammates Danijel Subašić, Šime Vrsaljko and Dominik Livaković were welcomed by tens of thousands of people in their hometown of Zadar. [ 298 ]
2018–21 : Post-World Cup period [edit ]
Modrić took separate in all four matches in the inauguration edition of the UEFA Nations League as Croatia finished at the bottomland of Group A4 following historical 6–0 away get the better of to Spain in September and a 2–1 frustration to England at the Wembley Stadium in November. During the Euro 2020 qualifying rounds, Modrić scored two goals ; a penalty in the aside 1–1 draw with Azerbaijan and a solo-effort in the home 3–0 victory over Hungary as Croatia topped the group and qualified for the tournament. [ 299 ] [ 300 ] however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was postponed for a year. [ 301 ] On 24 March 2021, Modrić made his 134th appearance for the national team in a 1–0 2022 World Cup qualifying get the better of to Slovenia, equaling Darijo Srna as the most cap player in the history of the team. [ 302 ] Three days late, in a 1–0 World Cup qualifying victory over Cyprus, he surpassed Srna ‘s record. [ 303 ] [ 304 ] He was selected to the concluding squad for the UEFA Euro 2020 on 17 May. [ 305 ] Despite Croatia ‘s poor people showings in their first two group stage games, Modrić was named the Man of the Match in the second one, a 1–1 guide with the Czech Republic on 18 June. [ 306 ] Four days subsequently, in the 3–1 victory over Scotland, he scored Croatia ‘s moment goal and provided Ivan Perišić with an assist for the third goal as Croatia progressed to the round of 16. [ 307 ] Modrić ‘s goal made him Croatia ‘s oldest ever goalscorer at the european Championships ( aged 35 years and 286 days ), while simultaneously holding the record for the youngest goalscorer that he set in 2008. [ 235 ] During the 2022 World Cup qualify, Modrić scored three times and assisted twice in seven appearances. [ 308 ]
Player profile [edit ]
dash of play [edit ]
“ not only is he a very hard worker, he has a commodity brain and he provided some calmness and composure to the midfield. His sink was bang-up and his contribution was outstanding. He was not only winning the ball, he was passing well. We thought that he was very influential. He did not equitable work hard, he made the other people play well around him ” .
– Gérard Houllier, UEFA Technical Team [ 237 ]
A diminutive midfielder, Modrić is typically deployed as a creative playmaker and sets the tempo of the match by controlling possession from the middle of the pitch. He has been wide applauded by many footballing pundits, managers, and boyfriend players for his swift exceed, long range shots, and ability to evade tackles under pressure. [ 309 ] [ 310 ] [ 55 ] [ 311 ] He is besides noted for his versatility in both attack and defense, a well as his sight and shape rate. A former attack midfielder, Modrić is considered a veteran of the “ pre- aid “ or build-up play, frequently creating space and prison term for his teammates to shoot or deliver goal-bound passes to other players. [ 312 ] [ 313 ] [ 314 ] He is besides effective at taking stage set pieces, particularly corners or wide barren kicks. [ 315 ] Modrić has been built-in to the success of both Real Madrid and the Croatia national team, having won numerous individual honor for his contributions to club and country. [ 137 ] [ 316 ] His playstyle has earned him respective nicknames as dubbed by the media and fandom, including “ the midfield Maestro ”, “ the sorcerer ”, “ the creature headmaster ” among others. [ 317 ] [ 312 ] [ 318 ] [ 319 ] [ 320 ] He has besides been compared to an orchestra conductor for his capacity to control his team ’ south gameplan or dictate the tempo of the match. [ 321 ]
status [edit ]
Modrić ‘s complex game has brought him consistent achiever in the clubs for which he has played. initially a trequartista or attacking midfielder at Dinamo Zagreb and in his early career at Tottenham, in the 2010–11 season he flourished in a central midfield function as a deep-lying playmaker ( regista ) who conducts the attack and creates chances for teammates. [ 322 ] Afterwards, Modrić acknowledged the function that Harry Redknapp played in shape of deep-lying his style, saying that dropping back enabled him “ to read the plot good ” and show his fully “ creativity ”. [ 323 ] Although a cardinal midfielder, Modrić is besides a hard-working player who has been seen to adopt a defensive midfield function in addition to playmaking, tracking spinal column to win the ball from the confrontation and prepare for a counter-attack, making him one of the most versatile players in the earth, capable of playing in several midfield positions. [ 324 ] [ 325 ] According to Jonathan Wilson, in a 4–2–3–1 system Modrić is a third type of a holding midfielder, being “ neither entirely destructive or creative ”, but a “ aircraft carrier ” who is “ capable of making late runs or carrying the ball at his feet ”, but in his case “ with a hint of regista “. [ 326 ] The switch to a more deep-lying side reduced his number of assists and goals, deoxyadenosine monophosphate well as his shoot per game count ( 1.2 ), although his game was no retentive based on being a goal terror ; despite this, he had the second-highest count of key passes per game ( 2.06 ) in the team, arsenic good as a very high pass accuracy rate ( 87 % ), with the highest passes per plot count ( 62.5 ) in the team, the most long balls per plot ( 5.6 ), the most successful dribbles ( 2.2 ), interceptions ( 2.5 ), and the highest tackle ( 1.9 ) count per bet on among others, high statistics which placed him amongst the top midfielders of the Premier League. [ 322 ] [ 327 ] By the 2011–12 season statistically he was among the top-rated central and all-around midfielders across the top five leagues, aboard players like Xabi Alonso, Andrea Pirlo, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Xavi. [ 328 ] [ 329 ] Upon Modrić ‘s arrival to Real Madrid, his midfield status was described as numbers six ( defensive ), eight ( central ) or ten ( attacking ), depending on the tactics, [ 330 ] and his function was described as the second gear deep-lying pivot alongside Xabi Alonso in the 2012–13 season, a classic deep-lying playmaker whose creativity was needed to dictate his team ‘s play and unlock the opposing refutation. [ 331 ] [ 332 ] In the first half of the 2013–14 temper, during which he formed an effective central midfield partnership with Alonso and Ángel Di María, Modrić made more tackles ( 56 ) than any early real Madrid player in La Liga with an average number of 2.86 tackles per meet, arsenic well as making the most complete passes ( 878 ) in the opposition half of the pitch among veridical Madrid players, with the highest exceed accuracy in La Liga ( 90 % ) ( besides the highest of any midfielder in Europe ‘s top five leagues who have made five or more assists during the season ). [ 37 ] In the 2014–15 season, with the arrival of Toni Kroos, Real Madrid no long had an effective and natural ball-winner alongside their playmakers in midfield, while the team possessed many attackers. consequently, in addition to producing the highest count of passes ( 60.7–64.7 ) and key passes per equal ( 0.8–1.2 ) within the team, both Modrić and Kroos had more defensive duty to set the rhythm of the team ‘s gameplay in midfield and mastermind counterattacks. [ 333 ] [ 334 ] Modrić ‘s average elapse accuracy during the temper was between 91.6–92 %, while his highest completion rate in a individual equal occurred in October against Barcelona when he completed all 42 try passes. [ 335 ] For all of 2014, Modrić ‘s drip attempts ( 75 ) at a success rate of 76 % were second in Europe ‘s peak five leagues. [ 336 ]
reception [edit ]
Considered the most versatile and critical penis of the national team, Modrić ‘s technical ability has been heralded by both players and coaches. Modrić is wide regarded as one of most all-around and effective midfielders in the earth. [ 333 ] [ 337 ] [ 338 ] [ 339 ] [ 340 ] [ 341 ] According to Jonathan Wilson, what sets Modrić apart from traditional playmakers is his coincident focus on defensive and assaultive duties. [ 342 ] [ 343 ] due to his footballing intelligence, skill and fairplay he was compared to Paul Scholes, [ 344 ] [ 345 ] Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. [ 346 ] He has been systematically praised by some of the fun ‘s most have managers, including Johan Cruyff, [ 347 ] Alex Ferguson, [ 344 ] Pep Guardiola, [ 348 ] and Sven-Göran Eriksson among others. [ 349 ] From those who managed him, José Mourinho said he wanted Modrić in Real Madrid because of his influence on the game, tactical degree and because he has “ that artistic sense ”. [ 330 ] Carlo Ancelotti praised Modrić ‘s technique and versatility create him “ one of the best midfielders in the earth right now, because he can play in more than one position ”. [ 350 ] [ 351 ] Zinedine Zidane included him in his best eleven presently playing the bet on, [ 352 ] and in 2016 predicted that Modrić would win Ballon d’Or. [ 53 ] Slaven Bilić said Modrić “ is a actor who makes others better, they all benefit from him being in the team. He ‘s not selfish, he ‘s playing for the team … he ‘s a complete player ; good in defense, good in offence—it looks like he was born with the ball at his feet ”. [ 55 ] Modrić is unanimously considered the greatest croatian football player of all prison term by his chap countrymen including those who were once considered as such like Robert Prosinečki and Davor Šuker. [ 50 ] [ 353 ] [ 354 ] [ 355 ] Predrag Mijatović considered him as the best football player in the history of the Balkans, [ 356 ] while Andriy Shevchenko has stated to be one of the greatest midfielders to ever play. [ 357 ] [ 358 ]
personal life [edit ]
Modrić married Vanja Bosnić in May 2010 in the croatian capital Zagreb in a individual ceremony after four years of dating, [ 359 ] and a year belated in church. [ 360 ] Their son, Ivano, was born on 6 June 2010. [ 362 ] Their daughter, Ema, was born on 25 April 2013. [ 362 ] [ 363 ] Their moment daughter, Sofia, was born on 2 October 2017. [ 364 ] Modrić by and large maintains a low visibility outside of football. [ 37 ] [ 365 ] In summation to his native Croatian, Modrić besides speaks english [ 366 ] [ 367 ] and spanish, [ 368 ] [ 369 ] and is Roman Catholic. [ 370 ] [ 371 ] Modrić is a cousin of australian football player Mark Viduka, [ 372 ] and the godfather of Mateo Kovačić ‘s son Ivan. [ 373 ] In late 2019, Modrić released his autobiography Moja igra ( My Game ), co-written by outstanding croatian sports diarist Robert Matteoni. [ 374 ] [ 375 ]
Legal issues [edit ]
In March 2018, in an embezzlement and tax evasion test against the former Dinamo Zagreb executive, Zdravko Mamić, Modrić was called as a spectator. [ 376 ] Throughout the mid-late 2000s, Modrić signed multiple contracts with Mamić to play at Dinamo Zagreb. [ 377 ] [ 378 ] Modrić annexed most of his Tottenham remove tip to Mamić because he was the agent of the move and gave Modrić fiscal backing early on on in his career. [ 379 ] [ 380 ] Despite stating in 2017 that he signed the annex article of the sign ten years in the first place, in his testimony he stated that he signed it in 2004, the year of his inaugural contract. Modrić was charged with perjury for stating that he annexed his fee at an earlier date than he allegedly had. [ 376 ] Facing the estimate, he said, “ I came here to express my defense and tell the truth, like every clock so far. My conscience is clear ”. [ 378 ] [ 381 ] The croatian Football Federation stood behind Modrić, [ 378 ] but a separate of the Croatian public, frustrated with the putrescence in croatian football, perceived the allege perjury as a defensive structure of Mamić and became critical of Modrić. [ 382 ] [ 383 ] [ 384 ] Some international news outlets praised him for dealing with the tension of his legal situation while performing with the croatian team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. [ 385 ] In October and December 2018, the perjury charge was rejected by the croatian courts. [ 386 ] [ 387 ]
career statistics [edit ]
club [edit ]
- As of match played 4 December 2021[388]
International [edit ]
- As of match played 14 November 2021[40]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team
Year
Apps
Goals
Croatia
2006
12
2
2007
10
1
2008
11
3
2009
3
1
2010
8
0
2011
9
1
2012
9
0
2013
10
0
2014
11
2
2015
4
0
2016
8
1
2017
8
1
2018
15
2
2019
9
2
2020
6
0
2021
13
4
Total
146
20
- As of match played 11 November 2021. Croatia score listed first, score column indicates score after each Modrić goal.[388]
Honours [edit ]
club [edit ]
Dinamo Zagreb [ 3 ]
Real Madrid [ 3 ]
International [edit ]
Croatia
individual [edit ]
International
National and regional
Other
Orders [edit ]
See besides [edit ]
Notes [edit ]
References [edit ]
foster read [edit ]
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