Real Madrid: 3 takeaways from a 3-1 win over Eibar

Luka Modric makes his case for being the best

Forget praising Luka Modric for still being great at the age of 35. That’s honestly insulting in comparison to how brilliantly he’s playing. Because the conversation is now about where Modric ranks among the best midfielders in European football – not even just La Liga.

Modric has been the star of stars for Los Blancos in 2020-2021, which is saying something given how brilliant Toni Kroos has also been in midfield for the Royal Whites.

He was named Man of the Match for his display at Eibar. Modric scored Real’s second goal of the match, using the side of his foot to allow Karim Benzema’s pass to do the work, as the ball sped past a helpless Marko Dmitrovic into the roof of the net.

The former Ballon d’Or winner pulled off some stunning outside-the-boot passes and feints, as he was at the heart of everything good about Real Madrid in their spellbinding opening 45. Modric, per WhoScored.com, had four dribbles completed, twisting and turning his way around Eibar’s midfielders to start the process of chance-creation for his team. And he chipped in defensively with two interceptions.

We hear “aging like fine wine” often used to describe Modric, but not even the most expensive wines or cheeses of the world could rest at a candlelight dinner with Lukita. He is the king of kings, and it almost seems as if he finds a new level each month.