2 months ago
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Luka Modric is drawing further praise from the Italian media after yet another all-action display in the win over Fiorentina.
La Gazzetta dello Sport recall a moment in the second half when Pavlovic engaged in a brutal duel with Kean near the corner flag, pushing him and shoving him. A few minutes later, Modric chased Fazzini, getting in front of him, then stealing the ball away from him almost without touching him.
When the danger passed, Pavlovic applauded him. Two different ways of defending: strength versus timing. Luka is 172cm tall and weighs 66kg meaning he can’t be a gladiator, but he’s learned to become one in his own way. Through cunning, by making the right choices when coming out, and by occupying the right spaces.
In this victory that allows Milan to climb to the top of the table – something they haven’t done since October 2023 – the headlines aren’t just being taken by Leao, but by Modric too.
Artist at work
The Rossoneri fans revel in watching him play football, but they’re also getting to know him in his providential role as a breakwater, someone who rises when danger threatens and inspires serenity in those around him.
When teammates fall one after another like in a horror movie, you need someone to be a guide. Modric catches the eye with his outside-of-the-boot passes, his switches of play, the vertical balls and the ability to see trajectories and runs that others miss. But then there’s the non-possession phase.
The one on Fazzini is just one example in a sea of recoveries. The most important? In the 28th minute, the game was woefully at a standstill, with not a single shot on target. Nicolussi Caviglia’s shot, with a sure shot, would have certainly found the target.
It could have done a lot of damage. It didn’t happen because Modric timed his slide perfectly, blocking the shot. This time, it was Maignan who applauded enthusiastically.
A ‘3-in-1’ player
Throughout the first few games of the season he was the best in terms of interceptions and balls recovered, and the match against La Viola reiterated the concept. He had the most tackles won (4) and duels (9).
An injury-hit Milan relied on him and he once again took the team by the hand, on the very night Leao did the same thing. At the end of the match, they stood in front of the microphones together, with smiles on their faces.
“Rafa is fantastic, I couldn’t wait to play with him. Unfortunately, he got injured, but this is the Rafa we need. He’s a fantastic talent, for me he’s one of the best in the world and he can improve,” Modric said.
“It depends on him. I hope he’ll help Milan grow in confidence; he’ll be very important for us. Tonight he showed why. Scudetto? We’re growing, we’ve shown quality, character, it’s a long road, we need to travel together.”
Rafa took the compliments and reciprocated: “When Luka arrived at Milanello, he gave me a hug and said he wanted to help me. Playing with teammates like him helps me grow, I’m very happy, he’ll give me lots of assists…” Creator, breakwater and motivator – maybe Luka can do it all.
English (US) ·