There are players where talent takes precedence over everything else, and Luka Modrić is clear proof of that. This Friday evening, during AC Milan’s victory against Pisa (1-2) in Serie A, the Croatian once again demonstrated that even at 40, he remains one of the most dominant midfielders in Italy. With his vision of the game, his precision and his tactical intelligence, he dictated the pace of the match and proved that he has not yet said his last word. Indeed, the former Real Madrid player scored the winning goal in the 86th minute, on a great serve from Ricci. The 2018 Ballon d’Or brought the ball into the opposing area before crucifying the opposing goalkeeper with an outside right foot, thus sealing Milan’s victory.
Arriving last summer after almost a historic decade at Real Madrid, Luka Modrić arrived in a sick team which had a catastrophic 2024-2025 season – 8th in Serie A last year – and which was therefore seeking to bring experience with this recruitment. Many doubted his qualities because of his advanced age, but nevertheless, he responded from his debut with a goal in September against Bologna in the league (1-0). “I have had very few, if any, great players with little intelligence and humility. To play at a high level, you have to be humble and intelligent. Modrić, it’s not for me to say, is an extraordinary player”Allegri already declared upon his arrival.
A perfect adaptation to Milan
Many might have thought that adapting to a new championship at that age would be complicated, but for him, nothing seems to be. He immediately integrated into the collective, establishing himself as an indisputable starter from the first weeks under the leadership of Allegri. His performances were exceptional, like his match against Roma where, despite the draw (1-1), he showed all of Italy the exact role of a playmaker. Ebullient and available, he multiplied the vertical passes and even offered himself an assist from a corner in the 62nd minute, after De Winter’s goal.
In total, Modrić has already had a full season with 26 matches played, including 22 as a starter, for two goals and three assists in all competitions. After his new goal last night, the Milan coach praised his veteran’s performance: “what can I say?” He is an extraordinary player, regardless of his technical qualities, which are wonderful. He tried to win through his technique, but above all through his character. We must all learn from him; young players should take advantage of this opportunity and train with him. » Strong words from the Italian technician.
A complementary duo with Adrien Rabiot
If AC Milan is shining this season and is currently 2nd in Serie A, it is largely thanks to the complementary midfield duo formed by Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modrić. Whether he is associated with Youssouf Fofana in the midfield or even with Ricci, the two men are almost always aligned together, and their understanding works wonderfully. Adrien Rabiot, for his part, has also had an excellent run with already four goals and four assists, proof of the complicity and complementarity with Modrić. The French international did not hide his admiration for the Croatian: “Luka (Modrić) is really passionate. At forty, what he does is not taken for granted. He continues to give everything in matches and in training, he’s a real source of inspiration”he confided according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
One is smaller, with exceptional technique and an impressive volume of play, while the other projects more forward thanks to his size and physical power. When Rabiot likes to advance on the left lane, he often finds himself associated in the center with the Croatian. Against Pisa, the Fofana-Modrić-Rabiot trio dominated the proceedings, controlling almost 70% of the possession. Even though Rabiot ended the match with a red card, these two men remain at the heart of AC Milan’s success this season, and Allegri is well aware of that.
