Real Madrid center midfielder Luka Modric is a club legend through and through. He is one of the greatest midfielders to ever lace a pair of boots, and because of his longevity, the case can be made that he IS the GOAT.
After all, he once won the Ballon d’Or over teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, and while CR7 fans do have a point that the Portuguese icon was better statistically that season, nobody can take away what Modric did for club and, especially, country in 2018.
Modric is 38 years old and still a key part of the Real Madrid rotation, having recently shown his value with a late, world-class winner to help Los Blancos beat a traditionally tough Sevilla side 1-0.
That said, even Father Time has caught up to Lukita, who is no longer an undisputed starter, nor is he the best option for the job in Madrid. This situation is a first for the Croatian magician, who has been frustrated with no longer being indispensable.
All of this has led to friction between Modric and Madrid. There is no controversy, but, rather, friction, born out of Modric’s frustration at resigning to a reduced role.
Guti knows a thing or two about being an icon in the Madrid midfield, and if anyone can deliver some harsh words to the legend that is Luka Modric, then it is the master of the backheel himself.
Speaking on El Chiringuito, Guti told Modric the bitter truth, " Luka Modric is not managing his situation well. You have to realise years pass and you can’t play all the games. A physique that you no longer have is required. He can still be useful for Real Madrid if he stays but he must understand his role. Half of the games and minutes off the bench."
Nothing Guti said here is out of line. Modric is indeed still an asset to Real Madrid in a veteran rotational role, and he can still change games, especially big games late against stingy opponents. The trivela effect is very much alive and well with him.
However, not even the ageless wonder is truly ageless. Modric cannot give 90 minutes at the level of Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, or Aurélien Tchouaméni.
If he wants to still be important for 90, then he can go to Saudi Arabia. Shockingly, the rumor mill indicates that this is a possibility Lukita is considering.
But if Modric wants to compete for more Champions Leagues and add even more to his impeccable Real Madrid legacy, then he should heed Guti’s advice and accept his role. That acceptance will lead to peace and more success for him and the club.