The value of a prudent midfielder is as great as any goal poaching striker, even if the basic stat sheet does not show it in the same way. When Luka Modrić left Tottenham for Real Madrid a decade ago at age 27, he was already an almost complete player. At 37, he still has that magical spark which changes games. Father Time has failed to defeat him thus far, yet this was entirely predictable. Modrić does not rely on his strength, yet is rarely dispossessed. He is not the fastest, yet almost always arrives at the ball first. He is the space creator, the ball manipulator and the defensive interrogator.
Being a time Lord like Modrić means reading play well enough to give yourself time and space upon receiving. It means having the composure and technical ability to turn out of trouble and give time to others to move and offer greater options. It is also the granting of extra time for defensive shape to recover, in the slowing of opposition play. These aspects of play make a player timeless.
Check the comments for more information on these aspects of play and message us if you wish to work together on integrating them into your game.
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