When we talk about the stars at the FIFA World Cup, we mention Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, Mbappe and more. They are from the big footballing nations that have been around for a long time and the legacy clearly helps. But Luka Modric should be part of this discussion as well. And the reason for that is simple: I can't remember the last average game he has had.
He has been so consistent for club and country. It is very hard to live up to expectations every single day in every match but somehow he does it. He is different, and in every way he is so special. The kind of passion he brings to the table when playing for Croatia inspires a nation; despite that, he remains so humble.
In the match aga Japan, he was everywhere. He would be in defence, then in the midfield, and when needed, in attack as well. Remember, Croatia have played the same midfield in every match and they would have been feeling the fatigue, but even at 37 he was scrambling because the team needed him to. He has no ego and he is a genius who isn't shy of doing dirty work.
The path to reaching this point hasn't always been easy. His talent was obvious right from the start but even then he needed some luck. But each time he got a chance, he made it count.
This story is from the December 07, 2022 edition of Hindustan Times.
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This story is from the December 07, 2022 edition of Hindustan Times.
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