Uncharted territory for Real Madrid's stalwart
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 08.09.23. | 16:05
It's a new sensation to see Luka Modric sitting on the substitutes' bench
Legendary midfielder Luka Modric has acknowledged that it felt unusual to lose his regular starting spot at Real Madrid, having spent three consecutive games on the bench. The experienced Croat, who is about to turn 38, has expressed his determination to put in the hard work necessary to regain his place in Carlo Ancelotti's squad, especially with a group of talented young players posing stiff competition for places.
Modric recently made his first start in La Liga for the current season during the 2-1 victory over Getafe. Despite his glorious career in world football, he admitted that transitioning into a role as a rotational player was an adjustment he needed to make.
🗣 Luka Modrić: "Bellingham? I have to say Jude has pleasantly surprised me. It was known he was talented, but when you see him up close, you only realize his potential. He really is a top talent. He has sense of the game, he can achieve what he imagines, he also has that… pic.twitter.com/ex7Yo6fS09
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) September 7, 2023
In an interview with Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti, Modric shared his thoughts on the matter.
"Nobody is happy when they don't play. After my career, it's an especially strange feeling for me. But coach Ancelotti decided that, for his own reasons. My only condition for staying was to be treated as a competitive player, and not to be kept in the squad on the basis of past merits... I am completely calm. I know that I have to work hard and everything will fall into place."
Real Madrid boasts a wealth of talented young players, like Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham. The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, in particular, has seamlessly integrated into his new team. Regarding the competition he faces from these young talents, Modric recognizes the high quality and potential of these emerging stars who have earned their places in the squad.
"These young guys are top players. That's why they're at Real. We veterans must help them progress and gradually take over the starting roles at the level that this club is looking for."
Modric has rejoined the Croatian national team this week for their Euro 2024 qualifier against Latvia on Friday, followed by an away match against Armenia on Monday. Meanwhile, his club, Real Madrid, has a perfect record of four wins in four La Liga matches so far. Real Madrid will resume their league action on Sunday, 17 September, with a home game against Real Sociedad. This will be followed by a Champions League match at home against Union Berlin just three days later.
