What I remember of Modric's early days is that he was benched for Niko Kranjcar at the 2006 WC and the manager (who was the father of Niko I believe) was heavilty criticised for the decision as 'the country's biggest talent since "x" should be playing' instead (i.e. Modric). Modric was always considered a sensational talent and was sold to Spurs for a substantial amount at the time (they beat other big clubs for his signatures, it was at least a big surprise he went to Spurs). Maybe someone from Croatia can elaborate on this? Modric had a bit of a slow start at Spurs, but showed his qualities in the next years. What I also remember is that I thought "what the hell are they talking about?", as Niko Krancjar was superb at the World Cup and looked like a very, very good player at 21 I believe. Anyway, this was a bit of a side-discussion. Not going to compare Modric and Zidane.
While I am critical of his current stint, overall he's already a legendary coach. Long term I'm worried about his commitment because I feel like he's more tied to a group than the job itself, but I'll worry about that when it's worth thinking about it.
It was after this game that I thought that Madrid must sign Modric, I always thought he was a very good player but after seeing him dominate Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets I was sold.
I've been sold on Modric since before he was here. Ever since I saw him in Euro 2008. Graceful player.
Zidane didn't do much at Juventus either. He started to write his legend especially with french national team. For Juventini Nedved is ahead. He didn't impress that much in Italia. Modric and Bale brought tottenham to champions league for the first time since decades. Real Madrid didn't take him out of nowhere he was one of the best midfielders in premier league. Ferguson always rated him high. If it wasn't Real Madrid he would have joined Chelsea or Man Utd. He was also in the euro 08 tournament's team for Croatia when he was still playing for Dinamo Zagreb. He was already very good but underrated.
That deal did not happen though and, on Sunday at White Hart Lane, Modric goes head-to-head with Scholes, who abandoned his decision to retire in January. ''Scholes and Modric are both intelligent footballers,'' said Ferguson. ''They both influence their teams as well so it is a reasonable comparison. I don't think they are identical players but they have the same qualities in terms of controlling a game. ''Their passing consistency is good and the one thing people underestimate about Modric is that he has terrific stamina.'' Little wonder therefore that Ferguson was interested, and Chelsea as well. It was the Blues who thought they had snared their man, only for Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to refuse Modric's request to leave and resist massive bids for a player he felt was pivotal to their chances of success. Looking back, Ferguson believes keeping Modric helped shape what has turned into Tottenham's best season for decades. ''The fact they decided to hold onto Modric against what everyone thought was a big Chelsea bid swung the players around,'' said Ferguson. ''That was an indication that they mean business and it has worked because they have had a great season. ''Up until three weeks ago they were playing the best football in the league.''
MARCA: Modric will be awarded the 2019 Golden Foot award in a ceremony in Monaco on Tuesday. In its 17th year, the Golden Foot award is given out to the best performing players over the age of 29.
He did find it hard but you cant he was that bad. Serie A was always hard to play, why do you think Maradona was rated so highly at Napoli!
Zidane was world class at Juve, what are you talking about? He was their best player the entire time he was there save for his first couple of months there. He also won the balon d’or as a Juventus player and no it wasn’t only because he played well with France.....then again you also thought that Mendy would be an awful signing so what do I know.
There is no arguement that can be made that Modric was a better player career wise. This is a silly debate.
I absolutely love Modric. But no one way can you possibly rank Modric above Zidane. Zidane is a top 10 player all time for me easily.
I don't say that he was bad he was good but he didn't establish himself there like Platini Nedved or Del Piero. Juve won the champions league in 96 just before he came and he didn't keep them on the top of european football. Lost the final against Dortmund then against Real Madrid and the following years they stepped down. You are right Zidane impressed Juventini like Platini or Nedved did