Only recently did Xabi Alonso manage the final minutes of his Bayer Leverkusen career, but much before that he had started indulging in conversations with those at Real Madrid as to the future of the team under him.
It is believed that the Spanish manager was the whisperer in Madrid who convinced the management to sign Dean Huijsen. He has also given a list of other signings he would like to see at Los Blancos.
According to Radio Marca, journalist Miguel Ángel Toribio has revealed that Xabi Alonso has also asked Real Madrid to renew the contract of one of Real Madrid's most trusted legends of the current generation: Luka Modric.
Luka Modric at 40 continues to be Real Madrid's most prized asset
I do not know whether to weigh it on Modric's greatness or Real Madrid's bad luck that the 40-year-old Croatian is still the best midfielder the Merengues have right now.
Modric clearly contributes something to the team and the midfield that no other player has. He brings a level of serenity to Madrid's midfield movement that no other player, young or old, has this season.
And if that isn't impressive enough, Modric is the only Real Madrid midfielder who has not been injured this season. And this man is forty years old.
The essence of the matter is that Modric remains Real Madrid's top midfielder, and his performance is not degrading at all. Even at his age, he continues to defy hurdles and outperforms some of the team's top names.
No one else can match his leadership stature either. He is one of the team's captains and does an excellent job of leading the team when necessary. His work rate is excellent, and he covers a wide range of areas, far exceeding expectations.
There is little reason why he should not renew, and the player has previously stated that he intends to end his career at Real Madrid only.
Xabi's approach to convincing Madrid to retain the Croatian great for another season makes perfect sense. Of course, Modric will not play as many minutes, but his contribution will definitely be significant.