FOOTBALL

Why Luka Modric is so Important for Real Madrid & how they can replace him

Published

3 years ago

February 27, 2022

admin

Luka Modric has had a glorious 10-year spell at Real Madrid and continues to dictate the flow of Los Blancos midfield at the age of 36.

The veteran has won two La Liga and four Champions League titles during his stay at the Spanish capital and has cemented his legacy as one of the best players in the club’s history and one of the finest midfielders ever to have played the game.

Contract ends soon

But all good stories come to an end eventually.

At the end of this season, the Croatian’s contract will expire, and he will move on to the next chapter of his career.

Even though Modric approaches his swan song at Real Madrid, he is still vital to their title aspirations.

Luca Modric was not an instant hit at the Bernabeu after arriving on a £30 million fee from Tottenham Hotspur.

He took his time to settle in, but then Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho had immense faith in his abilities and backed him to become a legend in Madrid. Modric proved him right within the next few years.

Modric formed one of the most fearsome midfield trios of all time, playing alongside Casemiro and Tony Kroos.

He is the most senior player of the bunch. Yet, he continues to match the contributions of his midfield peers with excellence.

What makes Luca Modric so unique in midfield?

He is an elite progressor of the ball.

The 36-year-old can escape from tight spaces with his excellent dribbling qualities.

You will see him covering every blade of the grass even today.

Since signing his last extension in 2021, he was unavailable for selection in only four matches, which points to his unbelievable fitness level despite his age.

Some stats

Let’s bring up some stats to show how good Luca Modric has been for Madrid recently.

Over the last 12 months, he has attempted 77.50 passes per 90 minutes, putting him in the 95th percentile across the top five European Leagues.

88.5% of those passes found the intended target.

Modric ranks on the 94th percentile in terms of progressive passes.

For progressive carries, he belongs to the 93rd percentile.

As the numbers suggest, Modric is doing more than pulling his weight.

According to reports, Madrid will offer him a one-year extension, but they have to start planning for a future without the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner since he is not getting any younger.

Possible replacements for Modric

In-house options Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga can be thought as long term Modric replacements.

Camavinga’s eagerness to receive the ball is incredibly outstanding.

He barely refrains from sprinting towards the ball to receive it and retain possession for his team.

He also drops deep to generate passing lanes

Fede Valverde is a workhorse like Modric and is keen to cover large patches of the pitch.

The 23-year-old excels at winning the ball back, a trait Real Madrid scouts would love to have in their future football maestro.

Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella and Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni are two high-profile transfer market options, who have a similar set of skills to Modric.

None of them would come cheap, but that didn’t made Real Madrid to back off in too many occasions, especially if they are convinced they are going for the perfect player for their project.

FC Goa

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

21 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.