- Luka Modrić
-
Luka Modrić 
Personal information Full name Luka Modrić[1] Date of birth 9 September 1985 Place of birth Zadar, SFR Yugoslavia Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) Playing position Midfielder Club information Current club Tottenham Hotspur Number 14 Youth career 2002–2003 Dinamo Zagreb Senior career* Years Team Apps† (Gls)† 2003–2008 Dinamo Zagreb 112 (31) 2003–2004 → Zrinjski (loan) 22 (8) 2003–2004 → Inter Zaprešić (loan) 18 (4) 2008– Tottenham Hotspur 99 (10) National team‡ 2001 Croatia U15 2 (0) 2001 Croatia U17 2 (0) 2003 Croatia U18 7 (0) 2003–2004 Croatia U19 11 (1) 2004–2005 Croatia U21 15 (2) 2006– Croatia 51 (8) * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 16 October 2011.
† Appearances (Goals).
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 12 October 2011Luka Modrić (pronounced [ˈluːka ˈmɔːdritɕ], born 9 September 1985 in Zadar) is a Croatian footballer who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and for the Croatia national football team.
Modrić's childhood coincided with the Croatian War of Independence. After showing promise in hometown club Zadar's youth team, he was signed by Dinamo Zagreb as a teenager in 2002. His professional career began with loan spells at Zrinjski Mostar and Inter Zaprešić.[2] While he was playing for GNK Dinamo Zagreb, they won three consecutive league titles[3] and several domestic cups, with Modrić named Prva HNL "Player of the Year" in 2007.[4]
Contents
Club career
Early years
During the Croatian War of Independence, Modrić and his family lived in the village of Modrići near Zadar but they were forced to flee the area when he was 6 years old. His father, Stipe, was in the Croatian army, and he lost his grandfather in the fighting while his family were refugees, living in a hotel on the island of Iž near Zadar. It was in these difficult circumstances that Modrić began playing football. When his father returned from the army, he used the little money the family had to enroll his son in the local sporting academy. After displaying some talent, Luka signed with Dinamo Zagreb as a 17 year old in 2002.[2]
After a season with Dinamo Zagreb's youth side, he was loaned out in 2003 to Zrinjski Mostar in the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During this spell, he established his versatile style of play and became the Bosnian and Herzegowinian League Player of the Year while still only 18 years old.[5] He later claimed that "someone who can play in the Bosnian league can play anywhere", referring to its physical nature.[5] The following year, he was again loaned out, this time to Inter Zaprešić in his home country. He spent one season with them, helping the team to achieve 2nd position in the Croatian first league[6], and a place in UEFA Cup (now Europa League) preliminary round, as well as being awarded the Croatian Football Hope of the Year award in 2004.[7] He returned to Dinamo Zagreb in 2005.[5]
Dinamo Zagreb
In 2005, Modrić signed his first long-term contract with Dinamo through to 2015. After a goalless first season, he managed to secure a place in Dinamo's first team, contributing 7 goals in 31 matches to help win the league.[8] During this time, Modrić rapidly established his role as playmaker or designated left winger in the team's 4–2–3–1 formation.
In the 2006–07 season, Dinamo again won the league with Modrić making a similar contribution,[8] acknowledged by the Prva HNL Player of the Year award. The following season, he led Dinamo's attempt to qualify for the UEFA cup. In the final play-off stage, Modrić converted a penalty in the away fixture against AFC Ajax in a game that ended 1–1 after normal time. Dinamo then went on to win the game 3–2 in extra time after a brace from teammate Mario Mandžukić secured their win on away goals.[9] However, Dinamo Zagreb still failed to advance beyond the group stage.
At his last home game with Dinamo at Maksimir Stadium, Modrić was given a standing ovation and fans held up supportive banners.[10][11] He finished his impressive six year tenure at Dinamo with a tally of 31 goals and 29 assists in four seasons,[12] contributing most notably in the 2007–08 season when Dinamo became champions by a 28 point margin and won the Croatian cup in the same year.
Tottenham Hotspur
2008–09 season
Modrić lining up for a match against Chelsea in August 2008
Modrić agreed transfer terms with Tottenham Hotspur on 26 April 2008. He was the first of many summer signings for coach Juande Ramos, and also the Premier League's first summer transfer.[13] After signing a 6 year contract from summer 2008,[14] Tottenham confirmed that the total fee paid was £16.5 million, equalling the club's record fee set by Darren Bent's move in 2007.[15]
Modrić made his debut for Tottenham on 28 July 2008 in a pre-season friendly against Norwich City. He played 45 minutes at Carrow Road during the 5–1 victory.[16] His competitive debut was on 16 August in the 2–1 defeat by Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium in Spurs' first match of the 2008–09 Premier League season.[17]
Initially, Spurs used him as a deep-lying playmaker in central midfield, usually alongside Jermaine Jenas, to utilise his passing range, vision and creativity to optimum effect. However, then-manager Juande Ramos deployed him in an extremely deep defensive midfield role, which his slight frame was not physically suited to. Before joining Tottenham, his greatest success had come in a more advanced, attacking left-sided role. Playing him out of position limited his influence. Modrić also suffered from a niggling knee injury early in his Spurs career and he had to endure being labelled as a "light-weight" by sections of the media.[18] This coincided with his poor form, knocking his confidence and making him even less effective, leading to concerns both for himself and Croatia manager Slaven Bilić.[19]
With the appointment of current Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, Modrić was given a more familiar advanced attacking role as a central or left-sided midfielder, which had been a problem position for Tottenham in the past. In the first few months of the 2008–2009 season until the 2009 January transfer window, Modrić assumed a far more advanced role as a second striker behind one of Tottenham's two recognised first-team strikers, Roman Pavlyuchenko or Darren Bent. This allowed Modrić to have a far more attacking influence on the team and also utilise his footballing brain more productively, as in the thrilling 4–4 draw with arch rivals Arsenal on 26 October 2008.[20] Modrić's impact in this position was well demonstrated with Tottenham's 4th and equalising goal when he collected the ball on his chest from Tom Huddlestone, and after a few controlled touches, unleashed a long-range half-volley which, courtesy of a deflection, hit the post and set up Aaron Lennon for a tap-in. Since this performance, his form improved considerably for Spurs, coinciding with his club's vastly improved form in the league. Redknapp recognised Modrić's value to his side, setting out plans to shape his new team around the Croatian playmaker.[21]
During the January 2009 transfer window, Tottenham re-signed strikers Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane, allowing Modrić to return to midfield while retaining his advanced attacking role as a roaming left-sided midfielder. Spurs' other major signing, tough-tackling Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios, bolstered Spurs' central midfield and gave Modrić more freedom in attack, while Palacios operated as a more defensive midfielder. Using him in his former position from Dinamo Zagreb days made him even more effective with inspirational performances against Hull City,[22] Stoke City[23] and most notably, a match-winning performance against Chelsea.[24]
Modrić scored his first Tottenham goal in a 2–2 draw against Spartak Moscow during the UEFA Cup group stages on the 18 December 2008.[25] He scored his first Premier League goal against Newcastle United in Spurs' next match, three days later.[26]
2009–10 season
Ahead of the 2009–10 season, ex-Spurs captain Jamie Redknapp said of Modrić "[He's] a hell of a player and a manager’s dream, so I am told. He trains like a demon and never complains, will work with and without the ball on the field and can beat a defender with a trick or with a pass. He could get into any team in the top four and he’ll be even better this season."[27]
On 29 August 2009, during Tottenham's 2–1 win over Birmingham City, Modrić was taken off injured with a suspected calf injury.[28] The following day it was confirmed that Modrić had broken his leg, sustaining a fracture to his right fibula and was expected to be out for six weeks.[29] However, on 31 October 2009 Spurs' manager Harry Redknapp announced a delay to Modrić's return.[30] Modrić finally returned to training after numerous delays on 8 December in a match against Grays Athletic.[31] He made his first start in the Premiership for four months in the London derby against West Ham United which Spurs won 2–0, with Modrić making a telling contribution by scoring with the leg he broke in the 11th minute.
On 30 May 2010, Modrić was awarded with a new six-year contract, that runs until 2016. Modrić said after the deal; "Tottenham Hotspur gave me my chance in the Premier League and I want to go on to achieve great success here with them. Yes, there have been enquiries from other big clubs, but I have no interest in going anywhere. Last season's Top 4 finish was an indication of where we are as a Club and I feel I can continue to improve and go on to achieve everything I want to at Spurs".[32]
2010–11 season
On 11 September 2010, Modrić scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season with a 27th minute strike which put Tottenham 1–0 up away at West Bromwich Albion. The match finished in a 1–1 draw after Chris Brunt equalised. During the match, Modrić sustained an injury which was feared to be a repeat of the broken leg injury he sustained in the 2009–10 season. However scans later revealed there to be no damage. On 28 November, in a home match against Liverpool, Modrić scored a solitary goal, but it was later credited as an own goal by Liverpool defender Martin Škrtel. He also scored in Tottenham's 3-2 victory over Stoke on 9 April 2011, as well as converting a penalty at Anfield on 15 May 2011 to complete a 2-0 victory over Liverpool. Modric played 32 Premier League games in the 2010/11 season, scoring 3 goals and making two assists, as well as making the highest average number of passes per game for Spurs, with 62.5, at a an accuracy rate of 87%.[33] At the end of the season, Modrić was voted the Tottenham Hotspur Fan's Player of the Year.
2011–12 season
In the summer of 2011, Modrić was heavily pursued by cross-town rivals, Chelsea. Chelsea initially made a bid of £22 million followed by a bid of £27 million, both of which were rejected. Tottenham president, Daniel Levy, stated that Tottenham would not sell Modrić at any price. After the failed bids, Modrić announced that he would welcome a move across London and that he had a "gentleman's agreement" with Daniel Levy that the club would entertain offers from a "big club." Speculation continued throughout the summer transfer window, eventually culminating in Modrić refusing to play in Tottenham's opening match against Manchester United (a 3-0 loss), stating that his "head was not in the right place" as he continued to force a move to Chelsea. On the final day of the transfer deadline Chelsea made an offer of £40 million, which was rejected by Daniel Levy. After failing to secure a transfer, Harry Redknapp told Luka Modric to focus on his playing and he has been named as a starter. He scored his first goal of the season for Tottenham in a 4-0 home win against Liverpool.
International career
Modrić's first international experience came at youth level, playing for the Croatian U-17, U-19 and under-21 teams.[34]
He made his full international debut on 1 March 2006 in a friendly match against Argentina in Basel, Switzerland, which Croatia won 3–2.[5] At the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals, he made two appearances as a substitute in the group fixtures against Japan and Australia.
With the appointment of new manager Slaven Bilić, Modrić earned greater recognition at international level, scoring his first goal in Croatia's 2–0 friendly win over Italy on 16 August 2006 in Livorno. His performances ensured a regular place in the international side, and he gave an impressive showing in Croatia's successful Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, which recorded home and away victories against England.
Much was expected of the young midfielder often dubbed "the Croatian Cruyff".[35] Modrić scored Croatia's first goal of Euro 2008, converting a penalty in the fourth minute of their 1–0 victory against Austria on 8 June 2008.[36] It was the fastest penalty ever awarded and scored in European Championship history.[37] He continued to impress at the tournament and was named UEFA Man of the Match in their next game when Croatia defeated one of the pre-tournament favorites and eventual finalists Germany.[38][39]
In the quarter-final against Turkey, Modrić took advantage of a mistake by veteran Turkish goalkeeper Rüştü Reçber, and crossed to teammate Ivan Klasnić for the first goal of the game with only a minute remaining of extra time. However, Semih Şentürk equalised for Turkey almost immediately. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Modrić failed to score the first penalty with his off-target kick. Turkey went on to win the shootout 3–1.[40] At the end of the competition, Modrić was included in the UEFA Team of the Tournament, becoming only the second Croatian to ever achieve this honour, the first being Davor Šuker.[41]
International goals
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 01. 16 August 2006 Stadio Armando Picchi, Livorno, Italy 
Italy0 – 2 0 – 2 Friendly 02. 7 October 2006 Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia 
Andorra7 – 0 7 – 0 Euro 2008 qualifying 03. 7 February 2007 Kantrida, Rijeka, Croatia 
Norway2 – 0 2 – 1 Friendly 04. 8 June 2008 Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna, Austria 
Austria0 – 1 0 – 1 Euro 2008 05. 6 September 2008 Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia 
Kazakhstan2 – 0 3 – 0 2010 World Cup qualifying 06. 15 October 2008 Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia Andorra3 – 0 4 – 0 2010 World Cup qualifying 07. 6 June 2009 Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia 
Ukraine2 – 2 2 – 2 2010 World Cup qualifying 08. 6 September 2011 Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia 
Israel1 – 1 3 – 1 Euro 2012 qualifying Career statistics
Club Season League Cup1 Europe2 Total Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists Apps Goals Assists → Zrinjski Mostar (loan) 2003–04 22 8 - 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 8 - → Inter Zaprešić (loan) 2004–05 18 4 - 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 4 - Dinamo Zagreb 2004–05 7 0 - 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 - 2005–06 32 8 - 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 8 - 2006–07 30 6 10 7 1 - 6 0 - 43 7 10 2007–08 25 13 11 8 1 - 10 3 1 43 17 12 Total 94 27 21 15 2 - 16 3 1 126 33 22 Tottenham Hotspur 2008–09 34 3 7 6 1 0 4 1 1 44 5 8 2009–10 25 3 3 7 0 3 0 0 0 32 3 6 2010–11 32 3 2 2 0 0 9 1 1 43 4 3 2011–12 7 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 8 1 2 Total 98 10 13 15 1 3 14 2 2 125 13 18 1 Includes Football League Cup
2 Includes UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League
Style of play
"Not only is he a very hard worker, he has a good brain and he provided some calmness and composure to the midfield. His passing was neat and his contribution was outstanding. He was not only winning the ball, he was passing well. We thought that he was very influential. He did not just work hard, he made the other people play well around him."
–Gérard Houllier, UEFA Technical Team[38]Modrić can play with both feet, and combines this with his swift offensive positioning off the ball.[42] His complex game brought him consistent success in the Croatian first division, as recognised when he was signed by Tottenham Hotspur in July 2008. His best role is as a central playmaker and during his time at Dinamo Zagreb, he proved his ability to play as an attacking midfielder, especially on his preferred left wing. In the 2010-11 season, Modric has been seen to adopt a defensive midfield role in addition to playmaking, tracking back to win the ball from the opposition and prepare for counter-attack, making him one of the most versatile players in the Spurs squad.
[42] In the Croatian national squad, Modrić linked up well with Niko Kovač, also demonstrating his defensive ability. Croatian team manager Bilić has utilised Modrić's flexibility to good effect when experimenting with the team formation.[43] Most notably, Modrić formed a "telepathic understanding" with Eduardo[44] when they played together at Dinamo and the national team.[45] In 2010, Chelsea legend and former assistant manager Ray Wilkins, described Modrić as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
Honours
Individual
- Bosnian First League Player of the Year: 2003
- Croatian Football Hope of the Year: 2004
- Croatian First League Player of the Year: 2007
- UEFA Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament: 2008
- Tottenham Hotspur Football Club 'Player Of The Season': 2010-11[46]
Club
Dinamo Zagreb
- Croatian First League: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08
- Croatian Cup: 2007, 2008
- Croatian Super Cup: 2006
Tottenham Hotspur
- League Cup Runners up medal 2008–09.
References
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- ^ LUKA MODRIC COMEBACK SNAG
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- ^ Beckenbauer baffled by woeful Germany
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External links
- Luka Modrić – FIFA competition record
- Luka Modrić career stats at Soccerbase
- Luka Modrić at National-Football-Teams.com
- Luka Modrić international stats at the Croatian Football Federation website
- English Premier League profile of Luka Modrić
Croatian Footballer of the Year SN Yellow Shirt Award 1992: Vučević · 1993: Vlaović · 1994: Mladenović · 1995: Špehar · 1996: Cvitanović · 1997: Cvitanović · 1998: Bazina · 1999: Mumlek · 2000: Bošnjak · 2001: Balaban · 2002: Olić · 2003: Olić · 2004: Kranjčar · 2005: Bartolović · 2006: Eduardo · 2007: Eduardo · 2008: Modrić · 2009: Mandžukić · 2010: Ibričić
UEFA Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament Goalkeepers Defenders Midfielders Hamit Altıntop · Michael Ballack · Cesc Fàbregas · Andrés Iniesta · Luka Modrić · Lukas Podolski · Marcos Senna · Wesley Sneijder · Xavi · Konstantin ZyryanovForwards Croatia squad – 2006 FIFA World Cup 
Croatia squad – UEFA Euro 2008 Tottenham Hotspur F.C. – current squad 1 Gomes · 3 Bale · 4 Kaboul · 6 Huddlestone · 7 Lennon · 8 Parker · 9 Pavlyuchenko · 10 Adebayor · 11 van der Vaart · 13 Gallas · 14 Modrić · 17 Giovani · 18 Defoe · 19 Bassong · 20 Dawson · 21 Kranjčar · 22 Ćorluka · 23 Cudicini · 24 Friedel · 25 Rose · 26 King (c) · 28 Walker · 29 Livermore · 30 Sandro · 31 Townsend · 32 Assou-Ekotto · 40 Pienaar · Manager: Redknapp
Categories:- 1985 births
- Living people
- Croatian footballers
- Croatia international footballers
- GNK Dinamo Zagreb players
- NK Inter Zaprešić players
- Tottenham Hotspur F.C. players
- HŠK Zrinjski Mostar players
- 2006 FIFA World Cup players
- UEFA Euro 2008 players
- People from Zadar
- Prva HNL players
- Premier League players
- Expatriate footballers in England
- Croatian expatriate footballers
- Croatian expatriates in the United Kingdom
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