Modrić at Milan: the problem becoming the solution

The solution becomes the problem, the problem becomes the solution. At 41, Luka Modrić’s career has been a rollercoaster: from a tactical substitution at half-time against Lazio (September 12) to the winning goal in Prague on Saturday evening, where his Croatia debuted with a Nations League victory — 203 appearances and 30 goals in 20 years with the national team for the captain, a former Ballon d’Or winner without whom Bilić’s national team cannot do…

“Luka is excellent with the ball, I want my team to keep the ball,” said Milan coach Amorim. Modrić is an indispensable player, in short, for Croatia and (all things considered) for Milan too, at least until the next defeat, or until the next assignment at Milan, like the one against Benfica in the Europa League…

Almost exactly a year ago, with his goal against Bologna, defying preconceptions about his age, Modrić arrived in Italian football in extraordinary form, after 13 years in Madrid and with a suitcase full of trophies. His first 12 months in Italy have been extraordinarily positive, undoubtedly, despite the toll of age: 44 appearances for the Rossoneri, 2 goals, 3 assists, but most importantly, he has embodied his role as Milan’s technical, tactical and mental leader and guide — a role acknowledged (even today) by everyone.

With his goal in Prague, Modrić became the oldest goalscorer in his country’s history. Amorim hopes he returns from international duty ready to be, at least until the end of the season, the solution to all his Milan’s problems (and perhaps to snatch the record for the oldest goalscorer in Milan’s history from Costacurta, 41 years and 25 days).