User login

Follow us at:
Facebook  Twitter  RSS

Views on Luka Modric’s arrival to Real Madrid

Steve McMahon

How much pressure is placed on Luka to make instant impact at Real Madrid?
The club is 5 points behind Barcalona and another loss this weekend may extend the deficit to 8 points. The pressure for Modric to make an instant impact will be massive. Usually Real Madrid and Barcelona signs a marquee player every season, and Modric has been brought in to do the job for Los Blancos.
 
Does he have the mentality and aura to take on the challenge?
Absolutely, he took on a big challenge when he almost went to Chelsea at the end last season. There was a lot of pressure was on him, when Tottenham supporters were disgruntled with him for wanting to leave. But he’s proven them wrong and continued to put in strong performances and did his talking on the pitch.
 
What does Modric bring to the table?
Modric was brought in to provide a spark to Real Madrid’s midfield, add a new dimension to their attack and bring the club back to life again. Last season Real Madrid depended on Xabi Alonso as their main playmaker and he played nearly the entire season. His control of the game and pin-point long range passes was crucial for his team’s fluid counter-attacking game.
 
At Spurs Modric showed he can play deep in midfield and that would allow Mourinho to not rely too much on the counter-attack this season. Modric being on the pitch would give the opposition two playmakers to worry about.
 
Also, usually new players bring a new dimension to the club. Opponents would know what Ronaldo is all about, as well as the other top players. They don’t really know how to play against Modric and he brings that extra touch of class to any team.
 
Where do you see him fit in?
He’ll be superb. Mourinho will often try to stop teams, such as Barca, from playing their usually style.  This time now he’s got attacking-minded player so now in his midfield department he’s got defensive and creative midfielders, and for the latter Modric certainly fits the mould. He’ll primarily be a creative goal-scoring midfielder, and he’ll get the crowd on his side straight away.
 
Could he overturn what is the club’s worst start in 39 years?
He can, but they’ve put so much pressure on themselves, and the club needs to first win their next game against Grenada.
 
Real Madrid are going through their worst start in 39 years. What is going wrong? 
Very simply, complacency and arrogance. The team doesn’t seem to be gelling at the start of the season – they didn’t have a solid entire pre-season with some players such as Marcelo playing for Brazil Olympic football team. There are only two teams in the league competing for honours and Real Madrid is already 5 points behind Barcelona - not a good start.
 
Catch Steve MaMahon on ESPN STAR Sports exclusive coverage of the Spanish La Liga.