Luka Modric, greatest midfielder of all time?

As we approach the World Cup semi-final between Argentina and Croatia the focus is on Lionel Messi and whether the forward can finally get the World Cup title that’s deceived him so far, but this has led many to gloss over how 37 year old Luka Modric has helped guide his country to a second consecutive World Cup semi-final.

Modric is at his fourth World Cup and despite being at an age when many midfielders would be wrapping up their careers on a beach in Miami he’s still at the very top of his game.

The dimunitive Croatian has won three Spanish league titles, five Champions Leagues, a Balon D’or in 2018 and has helped guide a country with less than 4 million people to the heights of international football.

Only Wales and Qatar had smaller populations than Croatia going into this World Cup and whilst both of those sides crashed out in the group stages it’s the Vaterni who are still marching on in this tournament.

Modric isn’t a prolific goal-scorer but his influence on games is undeniable, teams involving Luka Modric tend to have a tendency to be able to win despite not being the favourites.

Looking back on a lot of Real Madrid’s Champions League final victories they often weren’t the favourites but they found a way to win, it’s been a similar fashion with Croatia this World Cup in their two consecutive penalty shootout wins. The common factor? Modric.

There’s something about his calming influence on the ball that rubs off on the team and gives them the belief that they can get a result no matter who the opposition are.

This then leads to the question on where does he rank among the best midfielders of all time, he’s undoubtedly proven his ability on both a domestic and international stage so would he rank as a better midfielder than an Iniesta, Xavi or Zidane? It’s hard to say but you’ve just got appreciate his ability whilst he’s still playing.

Modric will go down as one the greats, but if his Croatian side could get to the final and right the mistakes from four years ago would that World Cup title secure him as the greatest midfielder ever?

Who is the best midfielder of all time?

• Modric 🇭🇷
• Zidane 🇫🇷
• Iniesta 🇪🇸
• Xavi 🇪🇸