If there is one player who has proved that age doesn’t matter, it’s  the number 10 of Real Madrid, Luka Modric. We made an analysis of the 36-year-old Croatian, who is having one of the best seasons of his career this campaign. After being voted the world’s best player only 3 years ago, the midfielder continues to deliver masterclass performances week in week out.

Therefore, at the MBP School of Coaches, we have tactically analyzed ‘what’ the player does for Madrid, not only individually through his technical quality, but also for the collective. Without a doubt, he is a key piece in Ancelotti’s tactical system.

Analysis

If there is one thing the midfielder stands out for, it’s his technical ability. Since his early days at Dinamo Zagreb, Modric has shown a great coordination capacity that has allowed him to successfully solve many complex on-pitch situations throughout his career.

For example, in moments of intense pressure from one or more players of the opposition, Modric usually escapes without any problem, using a myriad of technical resources such as turns with the ball or dribbling, of a qualitative level that is difficult to match.

In addition to his technical talent, the Croatian is recognized for his high cognitive ability. This vital structure in today’s football has been progressively developed throughout his professional career. Related to this, the number 10 has a strong tactical maturity, which, together with his technical skills, makes him the complete player for his side.

In relation to the above, Modric is always prepared to give a solution to all his teammates. If we analyze any action of the attacking phase of Real, and even of the Croatian national team, we can see how Luka is always close to the intervention zone where the ball is.

In addition, we can see how the Croatian player is always located in the intervals, either in intralineal or interlinear. This aspect makes it easier for him to receive with enough time and space to successfully perform the next action after controlling the ball.

Likewise, one aspect that is a result of his high tactical maturity and cognitive ability is the capacity to manage the tempo of the match depending on the needs of his team at that particular moment of the game, both individually and collectively when interacting with his teammates.

Focusing on Real Madrid, Modric has built a perfect synergy with his midfield teammates, Kroos and Casemiro. Thanks to the constellation formed between the three players, they have been able to consistently perform at high levels throughout the last few years.

Finally, we must also point out Modric’s defensive work on the pitch, as the Croatian continually shows his intelligence when in this phase of the game. This is reflected by his mastery of different defensive fundamentals, but in particular in the application of the universal progression zone fundamental that is ‘not being beaten when pressuring the on-ball player’.

Thanks to his low center of gravity, Modric is able to backpedal quickly in 1vs1 situations preventing him from being taken on by the opponent, waiting for the right moment to make the tackle which allows him to win the ball.

Conclusion

Luka Modric’s career continues to grow. Despite the fact that he may already be 36 years old, the Croatian genius’s displays on the pitch prove there’s still plenty left in the tank.

However, as fans, we must be aware that the decline of his career is getting closer and closer. That is why, at the MBP School of Coaches, we’ll continue to enjoy the midfield maestro’s performances until the final day.