Luka Modric: scouting profile

Summary: Following his £16.5 million transfer to Spurs in the summer, all eyes were on Luka Modric at the start of this season. Spurs started disastrously however, and with the tactically naive Juande Ramos as his manager, Modric's play suffered and he was not given the time or the guidance in adapting to the pace of the Premiership. As Harry Redknapp continues to steady the ship however, the hugely talented Modric is beginning to flourish and I expect him to continue to improve between now and the end of the season.


Strengths / Positives:
...Has a natural flair......Good motor and stamina......Gets around the field well......Teriffic passer of the ball......Great vision......Will carve defences open if given space......Skilful on the ball......Has deceptive speed......Is tougher than his slight frame would suggest......Consistently good set-piece taker.

Weaknesses / Negatives:
...Lacks a natural position......Needs to play in the right system to be effective......Likes to spend time on the ball which the Premiership doesn't always allow him......Can be easily pushed off the ball due to his small frame......Should score more goals......Can be easily neutralised by an anchoring, deep-lying midfielder...

Verdict:
Has all the talent in the world and can dominate games in the right system. Haunted by inconsistency however, and is a little one-dimensional when up against combatative midfielders.

8.6 / 10