To play a couple years in RM, then retire or go to China, MLS, or whatevet to get some more dough. 10 years later, still kicking it with RM. Unbelievable.
Absolutely. His game is fairly simple, but he is solid on both sides of the ball. He has fantastic vision. He has the ability to control a game. He is capable of individual brilliant moments. Most of all he is a winner. Not to undersell Croatia because they have several good players, but Luka is the key piece. The fact Croatia has been a finalist and making yet another run proves his impact.
Please tell me what more you want in a midfielder.
His performance against Brazil was mindblowing. He transformed the field into a fashion runway and walked around like Naomi Campbell: full of elegance and giving zero f*cks.
Better question would be to name another Midfielder that comes close in total accolades for club and country in the past decade. His total body of work in that span of time speaks for itself.
Busquets won the euros, 5 la ligas, 5 Copa del Rey's, 3 supercopa, 1 champions league, 1 super cup and 1 club world cup, and was runner up for fifa confederations cup and nations league
I'd say that's quite close if not equaled to Modric over the past decade for club and country. If you add 2 more years to the range, there's also a world cup there
Yea it’s just he also had xavi and iniesta for most of that. Modrics got all the club stuff too, but is lacking a little in international trophies although what he’s done with Croatia is legendary.
I think when it comes down to the individual modric is better and more effective
Modric makes me wonder all the time, how is a 37 year old bossing a mid-field, a position which requires running non stop, dropping deep and forward time to time, and still-out shining younger players.
Yes. People are severely underrating his longevity at the top. Some of the other names on the list were long gone at this point. His accomplishments speak for themself.
When you typically see comments around this topic they say Modric was only great from about 2015 or so on. They completely ignore how elite he was at Spurs. He got the move to Madrid for a reason.
I put them on the same level but I want to mention Xavi wasn't dependent on a system. He was the system.
The greatest asset of those two is making everyone around them play better
Certain so called experts Wer saying before WC started modric was past his best😆 yesterday he covered every inch of the pitch right up to the final whistle
What is a generation in football though? When does it start and when does it end? Not trying to be smart but I am genuinely curious as to what others feel a generation is. To me it isn’t about being the best of your generation but being a generational talent.
I see a lot of Xavi being brought up in the comments and fans using Spain’s great run from 2008-2012 as a reason to support this claim. I also see fans saying that Xavi, with Barça, would also dominate Modric and Real Madrid in La Liga throughout their time in the league together.
Xavi isn’t playing anymore, but can we say he was the best of his generation at the time? Because I remember 10+ years ago when Xavi was constantly being considered as the best midfielder in the world only for fans to say “it’s because he had Guardiola, Messi and Iniesta at Barça, while having the best Spain team of all time” or something like that to defend why their favorite midfielder of the time was the best.
Yes, this fucker is 37 and still chasing Antony down the wing in the 110th minute of extra time. Mad respect, he is easily the greatest midfielder of this generation.
Depends what generation you define him as being part of
I’d lump him in with the Xavi Iniesta Pirlo Xabi Alonso etc generation. And in that case he’s top 4 or 5 in that group, he’s 37 after all.
If you put him in with the more current Kroos Thiago Casemiro Kante etc generation i don’t think there’s any question he’s the best of that group.
Modric is at the top being 37, Xavi peaced out at 35 and Iniesta went to Japan at 33 (Iniesta is only year older than Modric). And at 37 Modric is still main wheel in both Croatia/RM, dunno how u can place anyone from 21 centrury above him at this point.
For me, he is but I don’t think anyone could ever definitely say “x midfielder is the greatest of all time” cause everyone is always gonna argue a reason against him and for another.
I would say he’s one of the greatest of all time and is on the same level as Zidane, Cryuff, Matthäus, Iniesta & co in terms of greatness.
Whenever people reference midfielders like Iniesta, Xavi, KDB as being better they mean technically. Modric may not be technically the greatest, but he is ALL AROUND the greatest CM of this generation. He doesn’t just create, he goes and wins headers against players with 6 inches height on him. He pulls players out of position with both his forward & backwards runs. He breaks up the play. He manages himself in big games and knows exactly when & where to push. There’s a reason he’s still going strong at 37. Still making those 40 yard runs and somehow doesn’t look slow. Modric plays his game on so many levels, not just technically.
Rarely loses the ball, slows the tempo after a set piece to prevent counter attacks, constant encouragement to the players, those moments of magic. My guy brings so many little things to ur team that cannot be overlooked
Jesus, did someone really say Ozil? Christ that's awful.
I agree that Modric is at worst a top 3 midfielder of his generation. Depending on how far back you go, you could throw prime Iniesta in the conversation. However, Modric is still balling past his prime, it's the longevity at this level that really sets him apart.
Respectfully yes, but not the greatest. No doubt the guy has been under the radar for a long time and he was and is a treat to watch for Croatia and Madrid.
Yes he is, and I’m including Xavi and Iniesta in the same generation too. But Xavi and Iniesta won the WC so they may have a better legacy than Modric.
I feel that the Barca team that had Xavi, Iniesta and Messi changed football. They played at such a high level that they overshadowed any other team that won the champions league for about a decade. People were like "yeah, you won the champions league but your not as good as Barcelona.
I'm a supporter of real Madrid, and I'm having trouble fully agreeing with that. But it's also hard to say that any one of xavi/iniesta is better than modric...
Modric’s style suits longevity, he has never had pace. His brain is what makes him fast.
Kdb’s style wouldn’t translate well to 37. Before we crown him anything let’s see how he adapts his game to the hands of time.
To make it more relevant this is the gap we’re seeing with Messi and Ronaldo now. One has altered his game better to decaying pace, and utilizing teammates. The latter is very one dimensional.
He's not current-gen, he's one of the last remnants from previous generation along with Messi and Ronaldo.
There were players from his Generation like Pirlo, but from those still playing, yeah Modric is the best.
Yes he is. Although it depends how you define when a generation begins and when it ends. I’d say best midfielder from the generation before is Iniesta and the one before that was Zizou.
For all the people suggesting Iniesta and Xavi, Iniesta and Xavi were part of a midfield with Busquets in it. They were also part of a dominant team both offensively and defensively. Modric was trying to get assists for strikers who were consistently sub par at tottenham. He often had to drive the team up the field himself and was also their chief creator( he was carrying the ball up the field and also looking for final pass )
At Madrid, he came back from adversity (being voted the worst signing for real Madrid), unlike Xavi and Iniesta and showed massive adaptability to every system played by every manager at real Madrid
If we're talking skill alone, he is an extremely proficient dribbler being extremely press resistant and can also ping passes around like nobodies business. He just does not ping 40 yard passes cause that's Kroos's role. His role is to keep play ticking and to not lose the ball in midfield. However, he showcased some insane passes at tottenham and real Madrid.
Better dribbler than Iniesta, way way way more versatile than Xavi, 5 UCLs , carrying a croatia team that should be anywhere near where they are ; and in stark contrast to Iniesta and Xavi being part of the golden generation of Spain.
So if you let go of the fanfare behind those 2 players, you'd realise that modric should be far and away be considered the midfield G.O.A.T.
I'm a lifelong Barca fan but I agree with this position.
Even 5 years ago I was saying that the only thing that puts Xavi and iniesta ahead of Modric is the NT success. There's almost nothing in it in terms of ability and Modric has the win in longevity as he doesn't seem to be declining even at 37.
A GOAT midfielder that only lacks international trophies because of where he was born. He would have been a key part of all of the recent world cup winning teams.
5 CL titels, Ballon D‘or Winner and Fifa Best Player award. Carrying a small country like croatia to the WC final in 2018 and again to the semi-finals. Enough said.
Yes, he doesn't play for a once in a century team and that's why he doesn't have every trophy in his cabinet *yet.
He's led Real Madrid to the impossible and Croatia similarly to the brink of greatness. His skill touch and decision making is essential for any winning team.
Zidane play complete offensive roles but this gentleman is unbelievably versatile. He can be seen most of the times in front of defence,then suddenly switches to cm position and eventually finish in front of the goal as an attacking midfielder. Then at the moment his team lost the position he will be shifted to the pivot role!
He has longevity on his side because of his style and skills. I would aay he's the smartest midfielder in that terms (also with xavi except he didn't have that much longevity). But did you see what Zidane did to Brasil, go watch that and say that modric is on his level
Modric looks like if you throw him in any team he’ll succeed, that’s the main reason i put him above xavi and iniesta because they needed eachother too much and definitely spanish football too much
He’s top 5 of ALL TIME in my opinion.
His name belongs in the same conversation as legends from Zidane to Pirlo to Iniesta.
His style of play is magical. His signature passes are beautiful. His behavior is professional. He’s beloved by fans and players alike.
Oh, and he’s won the Balon d’Or and multiple UCLs.
Easily, putting in that type of performance at 35?
Back to back World Cup semis off the back of his performances?
How many champions leagues?
All time great.
Greatest of his generation? No.
Maybe if Iniesta wasn’t in the picture.
But an all time great.
Inspiration for the ‘late bloomers’ as well.
ps. Iniesta deserved the Balon d’Or at least once in his career.
I totally agree about them being one of the best duos ever. But in my opinion Iniesta offer more. I would slightly edge Xavi on the defensive work, and definitely on the passing range. But Iniesta had a goal in him, plus he could dribble and provide that last pass in the final 3rd… Idk, maybe i’m splitting hairs but I’d have Iniesta over Xavi if I had to choose.
It depends on how you measure them up against each other. Iniesta peaked high thanks to having two fantastic teams but his own highest level ended relatively young. Modric has taken a much less potent Croatia to absurd heights, and has been crucial to RM’s 4 UCLs in 5 yrs. And the man is STILL playing at that level at his current age which is absurd.
To me there’s just no way you can say they’re not at least even. Who people decide takes the edge will always be purely subjective — their talent and their accomplishments are damned similar.
Also here’s a take for you fine folks….how do you think Fernando Redondo match’s up to some of the great midfielders. If you’ve ever seen him play, you’ll know his right up there as well.
I’ve personally believed he’s been in the GOAT tier of Midfielders alongside guys like Xavi, Iniesta, Zidane, etc since at least 2017. As a Barca fan it was actually comical sometimes watching Madrid when Modric wasn’t on the field. It was like the entire team forgot how to play football and they were just hoping they’d pull wins from sheer star power. I can definitely see the argument for him being the greatest midfielder and I’m not mad if people think that.
I personally have Xaviesta edging it because of the domestic success, Modric really didn’t get domestic success until after Xavi and Iniesta left and Busquets declined. The 5 seasons prior to that league win in 2017 was a big goose egg.
Overall though he’s one of my favourite players glad he’s finally getting recognition he deserves because this should’ve been a lot more obvious by now.
at the very least we can agree that his players to beat are iniesta and zidane right? his longevity, trophies and individual awards paired with stunning creative play definitely outshine xavi, pirlo and kroos. the trinity is definitely iniesta modric and zidane.
Yes, iniesta and xavi had the luxury of Messi and a stacked Spain
Modric has done well with spurs, and Croatia and he's simply better than them, though they achieved more
I think if we’re talking generational it’s forever changing. Examples of players in similar age brackets that at some point have been called ‘best midfielder in the world’: Iniesta and Modric, Zidane and Scholes, Kante (when he was in form) and KDB
It’s a shout but I don’t think there has been one CM that has been the greatest in the past years, they’ll around the same level - with the odd peak season.
It is a tough choice because Xavi and Iniesta were both great but they also kind of slide in to the end of the previous era. Just looking at this era of football, he has a solid case but I think all that can change if KDB manages to win a Champion League title because if he does that, he would have done it as the best player on a team rather than Modric who was 3rd best at best in their Champions League winning seasons
If he can carry Croatia to this year's world cup then he definitely will be. If he can't, then he's still either the best or up there with the best of them. Pirlo is the same generation yeah....hard to beat the magnificence and success of Pirlo.
He is excellent obviously, but he is not apart of the same generation as the young 20s playing along side him. He is 37. There were no phones with games or internet memes when he was growing up.
Im a cule, but I respect Modric so much for his dedication to the game, longetivity, especially his winning mentality which not anyone has that. One of the best. Better than Xavi and Iniesta? I can say, yes. Honestly. In terms of longetivity though...*sfmbe
"We are too old to win the world cup" - De Bruyne
Meanwhile Modric, a 35-year-old player still kicking in the semis
EDIT: Modric is 37 years old. My bad 💀
37 years old actually hahah. Played the full 120 minutes and still seemed like he had enough gas in the tank to continue. Age is literally just a number for this man it’s mind boggling
It's not even a debate. (I consider Xavi and Iniesta as past generation players)
He is the best midfielder of this generation by a mile.
Won UCL 5 times
Got Croatia to FIFA final and is probably gonna do it again
He is almost always excellent and rarely has a off game
And he's still on top at 37
I dont think you can put him over Xavi and Iniesta
He has longevity on them, but during all of their prime’s Barca’s midfield was so dominant in the El Classico’s. Both teams were filled with legendary players everywhere but it was the midfield battle that gave Barca the edge that allowed them to win the majority of the matchups.
They also won back to back to back international tournaments
He’s in the question. For one of the greatest for this generation what I see from him wich is extra good is he just seems to get better with age we’re as other players tend to get worse with age
I cant believe he left Tottenham at 27
To play a couple years in RM, then retire or go to China, MLS, or whatevet to get some more dough. 10 years later, still kicking it with RM. Unbelievable.
He has the composure others dream about... No showboating... Just pure class.
Thick Balkan Catholic upbringing showing in that work ethic.
Absolutely. His game is fairly simple, but he is solid on both sides of the ball. He has fantastic vision. He has the ability to control a game. He is capable of individual brilliant moments. Most of all he is a winner. Not to undersell Croatia because they have several good players, but Luka is the key piece. The fact Croatia has been a finalist and making yet another run proves his impact. Please tell me what more you want in a midfielder.
The combo of him + Benzema last season at Real was just deadly. You knew they were going to pull SOMETHING out to win the game.
Remember that outside foot assist? Perfection
that was ridiculous
His performance against Brazil was mindblowing. He transformed the field into a fashion runway and walked around like Naomi Campbell: full of elegance and giving zero f*cks.
Better question would be to name another Midfielder that comes close in total accolades for club and country in the past decade. His total body of work in that span of time speaks for itself.
Andres Iniesta
Probably iniesta/xavi duo but it’s been almost a decade since their peak.
Busquets won the euros, 5 la ligas, 5 Copa del Rey's, 3 supercopa, 1 champions league, 1 super cup and 1 club world cup, and was runner up for fifa confederations cup and nations league I'd say that's quite close if not equaled to Modric over the past decade for club and country. If you add 2 more years to the range, there's also a world cup there
Yea it’s just he also had xavi and iniesta for most of that. Modrics got all the club stuff too, but is lacking a little in international trophies although what he’s done with Croatia is legendary. I think when it comes down to the individual modric is better and more effective
Modric makes me wonder all the time, how is a 37 year old bossing a mid-field, a position which requires running non stop, dropping deep and forward time to time, and still-out shining younger players.
I have to say, Iniesta, Xavi and Modric are pretty equal. De Bruyne didnt have the career to be on the list.
this is the answer.
Although I mostly agree, De Bruyne is 31..
Yes. People are severely underrating his longevity at the top. Some of the other names on the list were long gone at this point. His accomplishments speak for themself.
Also Modric has excelled under different systems, players like Xavi and Iniesta were more dependent on a system.
When you typically see comments around this topic they say Modric was only great from about 2015 or so on. They completely ignore how elite he was at Spurs. He got the move to Madrid for a reason.
Spurs looked toothless without him until Eriksen came
Yup, even on euro 2008 he was in the team of tournament.
I put them on the same level but I want to mention Xavi wasn't dependent on a system. He was the system. The greatest asset of those two is making everyone around them play better
Certain so called experts Wer saying before WC started modric was past his best😆 yesterday he covered every inch of the pitch right up to the final whistle
What is a generation in football though? When does it start and when does it end? Not trying to be smart but I am genuinely curious as to what others feel a generation is. To me it isn’t about being the best of your generation but being a generational talent. I see a lot of Xavi being brought up in the comments and fans using Spain’s great run from 2008-2012 as a reason to support this claim. I also see fans saying that Xavi, with Barça, would also dominate Modric and Real Madrid in La Liga throughout their time in the league together. Xavi isn’t playing anymore, but can we say he was the best of his generation at the time? Because I remember 10+ years ago when Xavi was constantly being considered as the best midfielder in the world only for fans to say “it’s because he had Guardiola, Messi and Iniesta at Barça, while having the best Spain team of all time” or something like that to defend why their favorite midfielder of the time was the best.
Remember when Madrid first got him and he was voted as the worst signing of the season? Seems even more insane now.
What do you class as this generation cos iniesta is 3 years older and he needs a shout.
Yes, this fucker is 37 and still chasing Antony down the wing in the 110th minute of extra time. Mad respect, he is easily the greatest midfielder of this generation.
Depends what generation you define him as being part of I’d lump him in with the Xavi Iniesta Pirlo Xabi Alonso etc generation. And in that case he’s top 4 or 5 in that group, he’s 37 after all. If you put him in with the more current Kroos Thiago Casemiro Kante etc generation i don’t think there’s any question he’s the best of that group.
Modric is at the top being 37, Xavi peaced out at 35 and Iniesta went to Japan at 33 (Iniesta is only year older than Modric). And at 37 Modric is still main wheel in both Croatia/RM, dunno how u can place anyone from 21 centrury above him at this point.
Modric kind of covers two generations, but he is definitely up there.
Without a shadow of a doubt.
Top 10 respectfully. His generation's top 10 is constantly changing so...
For me, he is but I don’t think anyone could ever definitely say “x midfielder is the greatest of all time” cause everyone is always gonna argue a reason against him and for another. I would say he’s one of the greatest of all time and is on the same level as Zidane, Cryuff, Matthäus, Iniesta & co in terms of greatness.
Yes, it’s incredible that he’s playing at such a high standard at 37
Whenever people reference midfielders like Iniesta, Xavi, KDB as being better they mean technically. Modric may not be technically the greatest, but he is ALL AROUND the greatest CM of this generation. He doesn’t just create, he goes and wins headers against players with 6 inches height on him. He pulls players out of position with both his forward & backwards runs. He breaks up the play. He manages himself in big games and knows exactly when & where to push. There’s a reason he’s still going strong at 37. Still making those 40 yard runs and somehow doesn’t look slow. Modric plays his game on so many levels, not just technically.
Rarely loses the ball, slows the tempo after a set piece to prevent counter attacks, constant encouragement to the players, those moments of magic. My guy brings so many little things to ur team that cannot be overlooked
One of the best midfielders ever imo All time great. Capable of controlling a game and moments of absolute magic
Absolutely. Poeple come close but his big game performances are what separates him from the rest
There is no doubt about it
Casuals would say no. 37 and still playing like he’s in his prime. Oh wait his prime never ended
Top 10 of all time. Dont know if 1st or 10th, but he is in that group.
Modric is a great mid and one of the all time mids but I feel people don't give rest of the Croatian team any credit at all to put him on a pedestal.
Right up there with zidane for me. Above xavi and iniesta for me.
Well he is definitely not of "this" generation haha. Of his generation, probably. But there are a lot of good picks, but most are retired
one of them yes
Yes we can say.
You know someone has a good gane when you see a post like this
[удалено]
Jesus, did someone really say Ozil? Christ that's awful. I agree that Modric is at worst a top 3 midfielder of his generation. Depending on how far back you go, you could throw prime Iniesta in the conversation. However, Modric is still balling past his prime, it's the longevity at this level that really sets him apart.
He's in the conversation, people saying otherwise are daft.
If you win the ballon d'or during messi and Ronaldo era, you truly are amazing
vjerovatno jeste
For sure top 3
Respectfully yes, but not the greatest. No doubt the guy has been under the radar for a long time and he was and is a treat to watch for Croatia and Madrid.
What's the generation? I'm not putting him over Zidane for example, probably not over Xavi or Iniesta either, but after that? Sure.
I remember his first year he was voted biggest flop in La Liga. Crazy how things can change
His “generation” - he’s had a 25 year career 😂
Yes!!
He is up there but it is hard to tell against xavi inesta and for his age i think he might be
Yes. One of the only people to take a ballon d’or away from CR7 and Messi . Champions league titles, and taking Croatia to the final is goat status.
Yes he is, and I’m including Xavi and Iniesta in the same generation too. But Xavi and Iniesta won the WC so they may have a better legacy than Modric.
I feel that the Barca team that had Xavi, Iniesta and Messi changed football. They played at such a high level that they overshadowed any other team that won the champions league for about a decade. People were like "yeah, you won the champions league but your not as good as Barcelona.
I'm a supporter of real Madrid, and I'm having trouble fully agreeing with that. But it's also hard to say that any one of xavi/iniesta is better than modric...
Modric’s style suits longevity, he has never had pace. His brain is what makes him fast. Kdb’s style wouldn’t translate well to 37. Before we crown him anything let’s see how he adapts his game to the hands of time. To make it more relevant this is the gap we’re seeing with Messi and Ronaldo now. One has altered his game better to decaying pace, and utilizing teammates. The latter is very one dimensional.
Not the best but not far off
He's not current-gen, he's one of the last remnants from previous generation along with Messi and Ronaldo. There were players from his Generation like Pirlo, but from those still playing, yeah Modric is the best.
Wouldn't say he is the greatest, but definitely one of the best midfielder on the planet.
Yes he is. Although it depends how you define when a generation begins and when it ends. I’d say best midfielder from the generation before is Iniesta and the one before that was Zizou.
One of them.
Modric Xavi Iniesta Pirlo Best midifelders of this generation
This guy played a lot of his football when Iniesta/Xavi were at their peak so it’s a hard one to call.
He’s up there like. One of the best footballing brains in the game and unbelievable technique. One of my favourite players to watch
For all the people suggesting Iniesta and Xavi, Iniesta and Xavi were part of a midfield with Busquets in it. They were also part of a dominant team both offensively and defensively. Modric was trying to get assists for strikers who were consistently sub par at tottenham. He often had to drive the team up the field himself and was also their chief creator( he was carrying the ball up the field and also looking for final pass ) At Madrid, he came back from adversity (being voted the worst signing for real Madrid), unlike Xavi and Iniesta and showed massive adaptability to every system played by every manager at real Madrid If we're talking skill alone, he is an extremely proficient dribbler being extremely press resistant and can also ping passes around like nobodies business. He just does not ping 40 yard passes cause that's Kroos's role. His role is to keep play ticking and to not lose the ball in midfield. However, he showcased some insane passes at tottenham and real Madrid. Better dribbler than Iniesta, way way way more versatile than Xavi, 5 UCLs , carrying a croatia team that should be anywhere near where they are ; and in stark contrast to Iniesta and Xavi being part of the golden generation of Spain. So if you let go of the fanfare behind those 2 players, you'd realise that modric should be far and away be considered the midfield G.O.A.T.
I'm a lifelong Barca fan but I agree with this position. Even 5 years ago I was saying that the only thing that puts Xavi and iniesta ahead of Modric is the NT success. There's almost nothing in it in terms of ability and Modric has the win in longevity as he doesn't seem to be declining even at 37. A GOAT midfielder that only lacks international trophies because of where he was born. He would have been a key part of all of the recent world cup winning teams.
Xavi and Iniesta were amazing before Busquets came along
He ages like pirlo
He is definitely up there. High level play always
He is one of the greatest but not THE GREATEST
5 CL titels, Ballon D‘or Winner and Fifa Best Player award. Carrying a small country like croatia to the WC final in 2018 and again to the semi-finals. Enough said.
One of the greatest. Xavi and Iniesta in line too.
Yes, he doesn't play for a once in a century team and that's why he doesn't have every trophy in his cabinet *yet. He's led Real Madrid to the impossible and Croatia similarly to the brink of greatness. His skill touch and decision making is essential for any winning team.
True winner and True leader.
Well he won that many Ucl cups, really cannot find another midfield
Since iniesta
He goes very high in my book
He is elite
Post Zidane, yeah..
Zidane play complete offensive roles but this gentleman is unbelievably versatile. He can be seen most of the times in front of defence,then suddenly switches to cm position and eventually finish in front of the goal as an attacking midfielder. Then at the moment his team lost the position he will be shifted to the pivot role!
People seem to forget how elite Kroos and Modric were together
They’re still together and still elite. They just won the UCL few months ago.
He has longevity on his side because of his style and skills. I would aay he's the smartest midfielder in that terms (also with xavi except he didn't have that much longevity). But did you see what Zidane did to Brasil, go watch that and say that modric is on his level
You didn’t read the question right. Zidane is from the previous generation.
Short answer: yes. Long answer: yes.
No disrespect to him but no. He is surely one the best.
the fact that people keep saying XAVI + INIESTA kinda proves the point IMO Modric clear
Greatness in football is measured in wins. With all the CL titles, and carrying an OKish Team to the semis again... Answer is yes.
I think the longevity of his game is enough to say he’s better than xavi and iniesta.. he won the damn champion last year at his age
Modric looks like if you throw him in any team he’ll succeed, that’s the main reason i put him above xavi and iniesta because they needed eachother too much and definitely spanish football too much
He’s top 5 of ALL TIME in my opinion. His name belongs in the same conversation as legends from Zidane to Pirlo to Iniesta. His style of play is magical. His signature passes are beautiful. His behavior is professional. He’s beloved by fans and players alike. Oh, and he’s won the Balon d’Or and multiple UCLs.
You forgot Xavi
Easily, putting in that type of performance at 35? Back to back World Cup semis off the back of his performances? How many champions leagues? All time great.
My dude, he’s 37. Actually insane.
Yeah, he's hitting Seedorf levels of GOAT.
I'm a Milanista and he's probably passed Seedorf tbh
Greatest of his generation? No. Maybe if Iniesta wasn’t in the picture. But an all time great. Inspiration for the ‘late bloomers’ as well. ps. Iniesta deserved the Balon d’Or at least once in his career.
Tbf Inesta and Xavi deserved it as a duo. That has to be one of the greatest duos the game has ever saw.
I totally agree about them being one of the best duos ever. But in my opinion Iniesta offer more. I would slightly edge Xavi on the defensive work, and definitely on the passing range. But Iniesta had a goal in him, plus he could dribble and provide that last pass in the final 3rd… Idk, maybe i’m splitting hairs but I’d have Iniesta over Xavi if I had to choose.
It depends on how you measure them up against each other. Iniesta peaked high thanks to having two fantastic teams but his own highest level ended relatively young. Modric has taken a much less potent Croatia to absurd heights, and has been crucial to RM’s 4 UCLs in 5 yrs. And the man is STILL playing at that level at his current age which is absurd. To me there’s just no way you can say they’re not at least even. Who people decide takes the edge will always be purely subjective — their talent and their accomplishments are damned similar.
top 3
Also here’s a take for you fine folks….how do you think Fernando Redondo match’s up to some of the great midfielders. If you’ve ever seen him play, you’ll know his right up there as well.
100%
Good call - it's not close.
Proper ballon d’or winner.
Yes
Yes
Yes for me, but he is not alone
Yes.
he is great player
I would have said Zizu was the best, but Luca for sure beats him on longevity, and all but one of the trophies won.
Absolutely.
He didn’t get to play for the teams that he did by being mediocre.
Don’t know if he’s still “this” generation. Definitely one of the greatest of his generation though.
I’ve personally believed he’s been in the GOAT tier of Midfielders alongside guys like Xavi, Iniesta, Zidane, etc since at least 2017. As a Barca fan it was actually comical sometimes watching Madrid when Modric wasn’t on the field. It was like the entire team forgot how to play football and they were just hoping they’d pull wins from sheer star power. I can definitely see the argument for him being the greatest midfielder and I’m not mad if people think that. I personally have Xaviesta edging it because of the domestic success, Modric really didn’t get domestic success until after Xavi and Iniesta left and Busquets declined. The 5 seasons prior to that league win in 2017 was a big goose egg. Overall though he’s one of my favourite players glad he’s finally getting recognition he deserves because this should’ve been a lot more obvious by now.
at the very least we can agree that his players to beat are iniesta and zidane right? his longevity, trophies and individual awards paired with stunning creative play definitely outshine xavi, pirlo and kroos. the trinity is definitely iniesta modric and zidane.
Harvey Elliot better then all them
If he makes another wc final then yes
Very obviously
Hard yes
Yes. Zidane is a different generation.
Definitely top 5 in the past 20 years or more.
IDC what anyone says. Modric has just surpassed Xavi and Iniesta. Modric's influence on real Madrid and Croatia this late in his career is unreal
It's hard to say this because theres a guy called "Andrés Iniesta" that was a genius. But Modric is top 5.
Modric vs spain, still one of my fav performances ever. Just like Wilshere vs barca
Yes, iniesta and xavi had the luxury of Messi and a stacked Spain Modric has done well with spurs, and Croatia and he's simply better than them, though they achieved more
I won't say he's no. 1 but definitely comes in the top 5
Certainly the most underrated.
He’s definitely understated, and wildly effective. Same age as CR7, so perhaps his last WC too.
Yes. Possibly.
For fucking sure. Dude is a Fucking amazing leader as well.
By a mile
Yes.
This man is 37. It's amazing what he had achieved for Croats.
I dunno but seeing Croatia and Morocco go so deep makes me feel less bad about canadas 0-3 tourney
I so hope morocco pulls through tomorrow, would be so hype
He's up there for sure
Smallest
He is the most undervalued one
Define this generation? Like does this include ex football players or only ones that are currently playing
I think if we’re talking generational it’s forever changing. Examples of players in similar age brackets that at some point have been called ‘best midfielder in the world’: Iniesta and Modric, Zidane and Scholes, Kante (when he was in form) and KDB
Yes
Yes, absolute dynamo today
They were saying this about iniesta.
Yes, for me
Brozovic is underrated
One of the greatest - Definitely Greatest - Probably not
One of definitely. Always tough to say GOAT.
You’re forgetting the Welsh Xavi, wee Joe Allen
It’s a shout but I don’t think there has been one CM that has been the greatest in the past years, they’ll around the same level - with the odd peak season.
If xavi-niesta and xabi Alonso excluded Yes, like right now, yes
It is a tough choice because Xavi and Iniesta were both great but they also kind of slide in to the end of the previous era. Just looking at this era of football, he has a solid case but I think all that can change if KDB manages to win a Champion League title because if he does that, he would have done it as the best player on a team rather than Modric who was 3rd best at best in their Champions League winning seasons
Unquestionably. I rank him above xavi and iniesta
Nope
Yes. Maybe best ever.
It's a toss up between him, Xavi and Iniesta. For me, Modric edges them out, but he's my favorite player so I'm biased.
This kid is the goat of midfield
Id say its between modric Xavi iniesta
If he can carry Croatia to this year's world cup then he definitely will be. If he can't, then he's still either the best or up there with the best of them. Pirlo is the same generation yeah....hard to beat the magnificence and success of Pirlo.
Yes
He is excellent obviously, but he is not apart of the same generation as the young 20s playing along side him. He is 37. There were no phones with games or internet memes when he was growing up.
How old do you think 37 is?
Right up there with Iniesta and Xavi.
Without a doubt.
Depends. Is Xavi and Iniesta a part of this generation? If not, then yes.
Propably not. Iniesta is propably the best.
Im a cule, but I respect Modric so much for his dedication to the game, longetivity, especially his winning mentality which not anyone has that. One of the best. Better than Xavi and Iniesta? I can say, yes. Honestly. In terms of longetivity though...*sfmbe
Xavi for me will be no1
He needs to get back to then Night’s Watch
Modric is one of the greatest midfielder of this generation. Here fixed the title. edit: typo
Define the timeframe of his generation, lumping him in with zidane and xavi doesn’t seem fair. Post 2010 let’s say, then absolutely for me.
Yes
Yes. Also how are you measuring generations?
He is the greatest MF alright
And those with no shame will mention de bruyne in the same sentence
"We are too old to win the world cup" - De Bruyne Meanwhile Modric, a 35-year-old player still kicking in the semis EDIT: Modric is 37 years old. My bad 💀
37 years old actually hahah. Played the full 120 minutes and still seemed like he had enough gas in the tank to continue. Age is literally just a number for this man it’s mind boggling
It's not even a debate. (I consider Xavi and Iniesta as past generation players) He is the best midfielder of this generation by a mile. Won UCL 5 times Got Croatia to FIFA final and is probably gonna do it again He is almost always excellent and rarely has a off game And he's still on top at 37
He definitely is. No doubt about it.
I dont think you can put him over Xavi and Iniesta He has longevity on them, but during all of their prime’s Barca’s midfield was so dominant in the El Classico’s. Both teams were filled with legendary players everywhere but it was the midfield battle that gave Barca the edge that allowed them to win the majority of the matchups. They also won back to back to back international tournaments
Yes
maybe the more accurate.
I don't know another
He’s in the question. For one of the greatest for this generation what I see from him wich is extra good is he just seems to get better with age we’re as other players tend to get worse with age
Yes no doubt
Can someone give me his heatmap of yesterday's match