Real Madrid News
‘We knew he was good, but not this good’: Dutch legend praises Real Madrid midfielder
Luka Modric has inspired millions across his long and illustrious career.
At 37 years of age, the veteran midfielder still brushes shoulders with the very best in the business and dominates games like none other.
Earlier this week, Dutch legend and former Arsenal star Robin Van Persie spoke about the Real Madrid star.
He showered praise on Modric (h/t Madrid Xtra) and spoke about the high regard the current crop of players help for his genius.
“I watched Modrić in the Nations League. He’s completely dominant in midfield. It’s like he has eyes in the back of his head.
“The Dutch players told me: ‘We knew Modrić was good, but not this good!’. I played against him many times, I already knew it.”
A masterclass against the Oranjes
The legendary striker’s comments come off the back of Modric’s sensational showing in the recent semifinal of the UEFA National League.
The fixture in Rotterdam saw Croatia take on The Netherlands for a spot in the final where the Real Madrid ace’s side won by a 4-2 scoreline.
However, the scoreboard does not do justice to Modric’s impact and leadership on the night.
His team was leading 2-1 on the night until Noa Lang’s goal in the sixth minute of added time forced the game into extra time. What followed was football of the highest quality from Modric.
The 37-year-old spectacularly set up Bruno Petkovic’s goal in the 98th minute before getting on the scoresheet himself 18 minutes later.
Unfortunately, his team lost to Spain in the final after a tense penalty shootout.
Where does Modric stand in Ancelotti’s pecking order?
With Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde now well-placed to fight for a starting spot, Modric may no longer enjoy the same rights over a spot in Ancelotti’s XI this season.
However, that does not go to say that he will have no prominence. The Croatian international can be expected to regularly feature off the bench for Los Blancos and even start on the big European nights.
Journalist Arancha Rodriguez has claimed that Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz played the Las Palmas game with a dislocation in his right shoulder, which actually happened last Sunday during the derby match against Atletico Madrid.
The news was later confirmed by the forward’s father, Sufiel Abdekalder, who told The Athletic, “Yes [he had dislocated shoulder], but we didn’t want it to be public. Our 100% focus was on the match.”
The former AC Milan loanee started his first game of the season and it was his goal that marked the beginning of Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Las Palmas.
The 24-year-old was later replaced in the 57th minute but by then, the Los Blancos had already established a two-goal lead.
“I’m so proud, you can’t describe the feeling, it’s something unique. I can only thank the fans because I’ve had an incredible welcome. I’m very happy to be here and play for this badge,” the forward said after the game.
Special outing for Diaz
The Las Palmas game was the first time that Diaz started a game for Real Madrid.
The versatile attacking midfielder found himself among the five alterations made by Carlo Ancelotti following the disheartening derby performance against Atletico Madrid last Sunday, a game where Diaz was only introduced in the 70th minute.
The 24-year-old seized the opportunity with both hands, scoring the opening goal in what was a comfortable outing for the team.
Given the competition at hand, Diaz has been forced to settle for substitute appearances this season but fans have witnessed his unwavering dedication during this time.
The love he received from the Madrid supporters was shown when he was substituted during the second half.
While it is unlikely that his run in the first-team will continue, especially since Vinicius Jr. has now returned, the 24-year-old must continue to keep his head on the ground and work towards achieving the common goal this season.
