https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Luka_Modric_-_Croatia_vs._Portugal,_10th_June_2013.jpg
While most of the attention is centered on Real Madrid’s star-studded attacking trio of Benzema, Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric has quietly led a midfield that pales in comparison to the days of Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso to remain in contention for the Champions League Cup as well as the La Liga title, just one point behind rivals FC Barcelona. Coming into the tournament, Modric has an average of a 91 percent pass success rate in all club-based European competitions [1] demonstrating a dead-eye accuracy that can split defenses apart. Although classified as a central midfielder, what separates Modric from the rest is his ability to operate in both offensive and defensive capacities. Not only is he renowned for his superb playmaking ability, ball control, and ability to dictate the flow of the game, Modric is also known for the way that he tracks back to win the ball from the opposition and prepare a counter-attack; an unusual combination of offensive and defensive firepower that has made him one of the most versatile players in the game today. Alongside the attacking mentalities of Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic, Modric’s capability to defend and supply the duo with scoring windows has made Croatia a dangerous dark horse coming into France.
Other Players:
Starters:
Forwards: Zlatan Ibrahimović
Midfielders: Cristiano Ronaldo, Dimitri Payet, Robbie Keane, Arda Turan
Defenders: Jordi Alba, Vlad Chiricheș, Ashley Williams, Taulant Xhaka
Goalkeeper: The Gianluigi Buffon
Substitutes:
Forwards: Eden Hazard, Jakub Błaszczykowski
Midfielders: Mesut Özil, Yevhen Konoplyanka, Gökhan Inler, James Milner, Balázs Dzsudzsák
References:
[1] “Luka Modric.” WhoScored.com. n.d. https://www.whoscored.com/Players/20874/Show/Luka-Modric (accessed on 27 April 2016)
Meador, Jake. “What Luka Modric Does for Real Madrid.” The Inside Channel. n.d. http://theinsidechannel.com/modric-real-madrid/ (accessed on 27 April 2016)
Sharma, Rik. “Luka Modric is Real Madrid’s star behind the ‘BBC’ headlines… the former Tottenham man really makes the Spanish giants tick.” 27 April 2016. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3561310/Luka-Modric-Real-Madrid-s-star-BBC-headlines-former-Tottenham-man-really-make-Spanish-giants-tick.html (accessed on 27 Apirl 2016)
Written By: Austin Tran and Chris Arora
How to cite this article: “Euro 2016 Key Players to Watch” Written by Austin Tran and Chris Arora (2016), European Cup 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/european-cup-2016-guide/ (accessed on (date)).
