Perfect Understanding of His Decision-Making Power!

Luka Modric: A Key Player in Sunday’s La Liga Derby

Football fans were on the edge of their seats this Sunday as Luka Modric, the seasoned Croatian player who currently wears the number 38, turned the fate of the game in the La Liga derby held at the Santiago Bernabéu. His stunning 20-yard goal in the 81st minute, which came only six minutes after he was brought onto the field, gave Real Madrid a decisive 1-0 victory over Sevilla. The win has solidified Real’s leading position, keeping them eight points ahead of Barcelona, nine points clear of Girona (despite Girona having a game in hand), and ten points ahead as the championship approaches its climax.

Modric’s Second Score of the Season

The goal marked Modrić’s second of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a more crucial moment. His performance elicited effusive praise from Carlo Ancelotti, the team’s coach. This season, Ancelotti has been careful with how he utilises Modric, often sparingly. Out of this year’s eight championship games, Modric has only started in three. Yet his effective contributions in the limited time he gets on the field have been noteworthy.

“We celebrated Luka’s goal because he truly deserved it. He scored brilliantly and contributed significantly to the game since coming off the bench. It is tough to keep a player of his caliber on the bench, but he showcases daily that he is a role model for the entire team,” Ancelotti praised.

WATCH THE GOAL FROM 5:58

Speculations Surrounding Modric’s Future

As the season progresses, there is growing curiosity about Modrić’s future. Will he extend his career post the European Championship in Germany? Will Real offer him a new contract or perhaps assign him a different role within the club? Would he consider lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia or America, or would he honour the promise he made to the Bad Blue Boys when he left Dinamo and end his career at Maksimir?

These questions remain unanswered, with only Modric privy to his plans. Ancelotti addressed these speculations during an interaction with the Spanish media at the Bernabéu.

“The decision about what Luka wants next season rests in his hands, and we are patiently awaiting his decision. He, Kroos and Nacho are all in similar situations. The club has time to address these matters over the next few years or months. I completely empathise with Modrić’s feelings when he is not playing, having experienced it myself as a player. Despite his age, Modrić does not perform like a 39-year-old player,” said Ancelotti.

Modrić later took to his official profile on the X platform, writing, “Never give up. Hala Madrid,”.

Questions were also raised about young Turk Arda Guler (19) and why he didn’t get game time. To this, Ancelotti responded, “Before Modrić’s goal, I had one thought, and after the goal, another. I believe he understands that. If not, it won’t cause any issues, and I don’t feel the need to explain my decisions.”