Over the past several weeks, Real Madrid center midfielder Luka Modric has reminded fans why he’s one of the best playmakers in the world.
Real Madrid are no longer short on midfield talent. Not only has Fede Valverde been a gem of a breakout star in 2019-2020, but Real’s veteran trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Isco is clicking at the moment.
Kroos has excelled throughout the campaign in a more attacking role under Zinedine Zidane, but now Modric and Isco have joined him as in-form midfielders over the past few weeks. Modric and Isco needed some time to shake off the rust after dealing with injuries, but it’s safe to say both men are ready to enjoy bounce-back seasons under a full campaign with Zidane.
Modric’s recent resurgence has been of particular importance to Real.
After stringing together a series of impressive substitute appearances, Modric had an unimpressive 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw with Real Betis before producing a vintage performance against Eibar one week later.
Modric was instrumental in the 4-0 victory, winning three dribbles, per WhoScored.com, and recording his second assist of the season. After the November international break, Modric topped that performance with a sensational display against Real Sociedad, running the show with a wonderful goal and two assists. He had five key passes against Sociedad, fully replacing Kroos’ incisive passing with the German resting on the bench for the upcoming Champions League fixture vs. PSG.
It has been a joy to watch Modric return to his best form. He is beating defenders, showing bursts of speed, and carrying the ball into the attack. Modric has mostly been playing as an attacking midfielder, but he’s still provided defensive grit when necessary. For example, the Croatian recorded three tackles in 80 minutes of action against Deportivo Alaves this past Saturday, providing the necessary defensive work rate on a rainy day at the Mendizorroza against one of La Liga’s stingy sides.
After looking unable to hold up for 90 minutes in October, Luka Modric was one of Real Madrid’s standout players in November. Even though he’s played only 527 minutes, the center midifelder is tied with Karim Benzema and Dani Carvajal, who have more than 2,000 minutes played between them, for the team lead with four assists.
Throw in the quality defense he showed against Alaves, and Modric is back to being one of the best all-around midfielders in the game. In Modric, Kroos, and Isco, Zinedine Zidane has an embarrassment of riches in midfield when it comes to playmakers, and that’s not even factoring in injured stars James Rodriguez and Marco Asensio.
But Modric’s return to form is of particular importance to Real. It eases the burden on Valverde and Kroos, and it gives Los Blancos a world-class player who can produce moments of quality in the final third that transcend the game.
Take a look back at both of Modric’s goals to see prime examples of his technical brilliance, which can directly translate into goals. And for a glimpse at more subtle goal-setting plays, look no further than his cross to Isco against Alaves that helped set up Carvajal’s winning tap-in.
Real Madrid are a more dangerous team when Luka Modric is bossing defenses, covering ground, and dishing out goals and assists. He’ll be an X-Factor for Real throughout the 2019-2020 campaign.