Luka Modric: Midfielder Would Be Smart to Choose Chelsea over Real Madrid

Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric is almost certainly on his way out of White Hart Lane, but he would be wise to avoid Real Madrid’s crowded midfield and move to Chelsea. 

Ashley Gray of the Daily Mail reported that Madrid and Chelsea are battling for Modric’s services. Gray notes that the La Liga champions believe a bid consisting of £28 million and Ricardo Carvahlo will be enough to land the team’s newest Galactico.

But Modric, who was the creative force behind Tottenham’s attack, will find it difficult to crack the starting-XI at the Bernabeu.

The Croatian is a true center midfielder who is extremely strong on the ball and has impeccable accuracy on his passes. He appears to have eyes on the back of his head when he plays and has excellent vision.

However, he is not a strong tackler and does not often make a significant defensive contribution. 

Madrid will need a physical presence in the center of the midfield, and Sami Khedira or Lassana Diarra will provide this service. 

That leaves room for two more players in the middle of the pitch, and the top choices to fill the positions will be Xabi Alonso and Mesut Ozil, not Modric.

Jose Mourinho may opt to use Alonso as his defensive force in the midfield for some matches, but this will not be his preferred lineup.

Modric is also capable of playing towards the touchline, but the Croatian would not view a move to the wing as an ideal situation.

If Modric chose to stay in London and force a switch to Chelsea, he would become the star of the Blues’ midfield.

Defender Branislav Ivanovic is all for the Croatian coming to his team. He made the following comments to Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti, per ESPN. 

"

I know there was interest in the transfer window before. Chelsea as a team have needed a player with these qualities. He would fit in quickly and strengthen the squad. He has been in England a long time and knows about the way football is played on the island and the mentality of the players. He has exceptional quality, and moving to a bigger club is necessary for him to take the next step in his career.

"

At Stamford Bridge, an aging Frank Lampard is the only player with a similar skill-set to Modric. The long-time Chelsea man is versatile enough to co-exist with Mordic in the midfield. 

Ivanovic is right when he says that Modric is ready to take the next step, and the midfielder must do this by playing in Champions League games. 

On the biggest stage in European club football, Modric would likely be left on the sidelines if he moves to Madrid. 

At Chelsea, Modric will be a key part to any success the Blues have in trying to repeat their success in the tournament.