The best 30 players at the World Cup
By James Dudko
19. Luka Modric, midfielder, Croatia
Croatia can maintain the status of popular dark horse the nation has enjoyed at every World Cup since 1998 thanks to the ongoing brilliance of Luka Modric.
The 32-year-old skipper is still his country’s most important player. Modric hasn’t lost the art of dictating games from the middle, even though those skills have been used in a more withdrawn role for Real Madrid in recent seasons.
Dropping deeper has helped this pocket-edition pass-master get an all-encompassing view of matches. Armed with greater perception, Modric’s superior technique, intelligence and artistry have become even more obvious and effective.
Croatia will be hoping this cerebral veteran still has what it takes to create chances for some familiar faces. In particular, powerhouse striker Mario Mandzukic and swift winger Ivan Perisic are set to be reliant on Modric’s ability to pick passes.
Fortunately, not many players set to be involved in Russia can thread balls between the lines as effortlessly as Real’s playmaker general.