It seems a fair question to me. Obviously we think Modric is great. But I think he is trying to ask about how we compare Modric to other great midfielders. I’m kind of curious what everyone thinks, too, as I am coming to the question from the opposite direction: I’ve seen Modric play a good deal but not the players he’d be compared to as much.
Modric is unique in that much of his value is behind the shadows, closing down passing avenues, connecting midfield and circulating the ball. Normally players like him are underrated and under appreciated, yet he does it in such a way that it stands out. His touch, control, passing, work ethic, you don't need to be a purist to admire him. These days its all about the stats, and his goal/assist numbers are nothing special yet he is getting mad props, which he deserves.
Five year old Luka Modric watching over a group of sheep from wolves (2:29 - 2:45) From the video description: The Modric family, they used to be quite decent, nice people. I visited them whenever I went filming the wildlife in the mountains. [...] It was back in 1990 just awhile before the war destroyed their home. The war changed everything and I haven’t seen any more. They moved away. Then just a few years ago I got some information on who the small boy collecting his father's herd in my episode is? That boy became a famous Croatian soccer player - Luka Modric. He hasn't seen these shots (taken back in 1989-1990) because this is the first time they are published. [...] The wolf is the symbol of real wilderness so is the symbol of the Velebit Mountains. Luka Modric, who spent whole his childhood in the wolf habitat and the younger generations after him must be proud of that fact. Extraordinarily random but interesting anecdote.
Luka "The White Wolf" Modric Joking aside, seeing where he comes from makes me respect him even more. Unfortunately, there's still kids in Balkans who at a very young age have to do these jobs in order to help their families. For some people, living in those conditions is a kind of PUSH forward and it helps them progress, gives them a very good work ethic and even makes them ambitious but many never leave or improve their living conditions.
I’m worried he will be fatigued for the new season all these minutes can’t be doing him any good on top of the season he has had. Even if we keep him out the lineup for the first matches it does disrupt our preparation.
He's talking about giving Modric a rest so he isn't fatigued in the new season. I am sure we have the depth to achieve that.
For the short term then yes, however IF Kova goes and there’s no replacement, then I wouldn’t be happy about relying on Llorente or Ceballos.
Luka Modric is the greatest player ever from all republics of Yugoslavia. The other candidiates: Stojkovic, Dzajic, Savicevic.
Hearing them chant Luka's name must be pretty nice. He's apparently pretty hated by a good chunk of Croatia's population because of the whole perjury thing and being associated with that corrupt football official. But now he's a hero who raised Croatian football to unexpected heights. Well deserved, Luka!