Did you Know?
A diminutive midfielder, Modrić is described as a quick and creative playmaker, with great vision, who is able to change the course of the game with a deft pass, or with a solo, long-range effort. He is able to play with both feet and combines this with his swift, offensive positioning off the ball. He is noted for his ability to pass the ball accurately across long or short distances, even with the outside of his boot, as well as his ball control, first touch, positional play, and his ability to retain possession and set the tempo of the game. A former attacking midfielder, he is also noted for his passing range and dribbling skills, and is considered as a master of the “pre-assist”. He is often referred to as the Midfield Maestro (“Midfield Master”) for his mastery of footballing fundamentals, tactical strategy, and precision in execution. His tactical vision and strategic planning has had him compared to a conductor of an orchestra, a “puppet master”, and a “midfield magician”. When arrived at Real Madrid he was nicknamed by the Spanish media as El Pájaro (“the bird”), while in the dressing room was simply called “Lukita”.
