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When most players get to the age of 40, they are thinking about winding down. In Luka Modric’s case, he couldn’t be more important.
As Calciomercato.com recall, the Croatian coach Dalic – after Modric’s performance in the last match against Montenegro – stated: “The older he gets, the better he gets.” Massimiliano Allegri agrees, to the extent that he cannot do without the former Ballon d’Or winner.
40 the new 20?
Even in the world of football, there’s no shortage of illustrious champions capable of unthinkable feats towards the end of their careers. Milan hope Modric is among them, and his starring role in Croatia’s 4-0 victory on Monday night follows a good start to the season with Milan.
After the conclusion of his extraordinary Real Madrid career, the Zadar-born midfielder remains a key figure in his national team, with the stated goal of playing his last World Cup in the summer of 2026. He took very little time to assume the reins of Milan’s midfield too, despite arriving late.
Allegri had few doubts when it came to choosing who to put at the centre of a team that, in the most crucial area of the pitch, has been blessed with an almost excessive abundance since the last transfer window.
The coach was quick to point out that Modric, Ardon Jashari and Samuele Ricci represent three different ways of playing the regista role. All things being equal, Modric will almost always play and the first two league games show this.
Allegri dropped Modric about ten metres back from the position he occupied in Madrid, giving him the keys to the control room and the ability to dictate the tempo. This, combined with the innate charisma and leadership that the Croatian has, means he is immovable.
Adrien Rabiot, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Youssouf Fofana must be mentioned too. The season is long, of course, and the solutions offered by such a rich and varied midfield require careful consideration before dismissing anything.
Yet, given Allegri’s way of playing football and what he likes for his midfield, it seems obvious that Rabiot will take one spot and the battle will be between Fofana and Loftus-Cheek for the other. Jashari is out injured, and Ricci is seen as more of Modric’s deputy.
Even in key matches, against the most competitive opponents? Yes, that’s the feeling. While Luka Modric has often been sacrificed in Madrid’s recent past due to his age (and the presence of other starts like Bellingham, Valverda and Camavinga), at Milan he will be the first name in the team sheet.
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