4. Luka Modric
If you have reached here, let’s just take a moment to appreciate the genius of this man, who at 35-years ‘young’ is absolutely balling out there on the football pitch (pun unintended). I want to sign a petition for testing Luka Modrić’s genetic structure to determine if he is a mortal or an immortal.
At an age when footballers accept that they are way past their prime and make moves to either the MLS or an Asian club, Modrić is consistently putting on a spectacle and taking on the game by the scruff of its neck game in, game out. The sort of swagger on display is unreal even for someone of Modrić’s standards, and he is playing as well as he has ever played.
He was one of the best players in the Spanish Super Cup in January 2020, where Zidane implemented a five-man midfield blueprint. Guess what, Modrić was the ringmaster of that formation. That outside-of-the-foot effort against Valencia in the semi-final was one of the highlights of the tournament.
Although he saw himself lose his spot to a resurgent Fede Valverde in the starting line-up, he didn’t have as relevant a role. However, after La Liga returned to action in June after a prolonged COVID break, Luka Modrić was fundamental to the team.
The 2020-21 season has been just something else. He has probably been the best player for Real Madrid this season, and without any doubt one of the best midfielders in the world. Yes, that at the age of 35. He wouldn’t have been on this list had it not been for his immense performances in the current season.
I will make a bold statement before we move on. Luka Modrić can easily play for Real Madrid for two more years. Please give him a contract extension already.