Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has dropped a hint regarding fresh plans for a leading member of his midfield ranks this coming season.
The player in question? Luka Modrić.
Engine room veteran Modrić was for his part in from the off once more in the early hours of Wednesday, in Real Madrid’s latest pre-season outing.
Rounding out the club’s tour of the USA, Los Blancos locked horns with Premier League heavyweights Chelsea, in Charlotte.
When all was said and done, the Spanish champions emerged on the right side of a 2-1 result, owing to goals on the part of Lucas Vázquez, and Brahim Díaz.
And yet, post-match, it was the name of the aforementioned Modrić which found itself on the lips of many of a Real persuasion.
This comes with the Croatian, who will turn 39 next month, having enjoyed a wonderful 90 minutes.
Lining out in a more deep-lying role than he is generally accustomed to, Modrić barely put a foot wrong all game, shining as a new-look ‘pivot’.
Speaking to the media on the back of the full-time whistle, it therefore came as little surprise when the possibility of Modrić continuing in such a berth this coming season was put to Carlo Ancelotti.
And Real Madrid’s headmaster refused to rule out as much, in responding:
“It could be his new role. Today he was the central pivot. He could also be on the left, like Toni Kroos. He has a lot of quality when bringing the ball out and helps the team a lot. He manages his timing very well, he has a lot of experience… he is a fantastic player.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
