Modric’s ability has shone through this season as his grit and determination has helped Madrid to some narrow victories. He has also kept a cool head in the big games, resulting in him being one of Madrid’s most important players this season.
Last night Modric withdrew from the squad to play Rayo Vallecano at the last minute due to the flu. Madrid still put five past Rayo at Santiago Bernabeu. He wasn’t missed, and for a time it looked like he wouldn’t succeed in Spain.
During his first season Modric was named as the worst signing of the summer after moving to Los Blancos for €37m. He was only able to contribute three goals and three assists in the League and struggled to make his mark.
It was assumed that the diminutive Modric was supposed to fit in behind the striker. When it was suggested to play him in a deeper role, so he could be more involved at the start of moves rather than at the end, the idea was dismissed. Some observers passionately believed Modric lacked the quality and power to fulfil such a role.
It was inevitably going to be difficult for the Croatian because by the time he had joined Madrid, they had already played their second match in La Liga, leaving the 28-year-old with little time to blend in with the squad. Despite this, by the end of the season he accumulated 33 La Liga appearances, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo, but only 51.5% of those were for the full 90 minutes.
Modric insists he was never fazed. “I never considered leaving Real Madrid or that it was a mistake to come here,” he told the BBC. “People like to judge and make their own conclusions.
“I never cared what other people were saying about me – I had my aims, I believed in myself and never stopped,” Modric added. “All these critics push you forward to show people they are wrong. Maybe I look lightweight but I am a really strong person mentally and physically, and I never had any problems with my size.”
Once the season was finished he was immediately under considerable pressure after Madrid brought in Asier Illaramendi and Isco. These two bright young talents are more than capable of occupying Modric’s role and the fans were keen for them to step straight into the first team. But Carlo Ancelotti backed him from the start and played him seven of their nine pre-season games while announcing that he wouldn't be sold.
Modric has since repaid the Coach’s faith. He is relishing his opportunity this season and has filled the gap left by the departure of Mesut Ozil. With greater responsibility, Modric has been able to display his renowned creative spark, boasting a 90% pass success rate and 41 chances created so far this season.
The former Tottenham man currently wears the No 19 shirt but supporters are crying out for him to wear the No 10 shirt next season, vacated by Ozil. It’s fitting that the player set to take the shirt is the one who made the club forget about the Arsenal-bound German.
