In a comprehensive analysis featured in The Guardian (UK), former Bayern Munich star Philipp Lahm lauds both Ilkay Gündoğan and Luka Modrić for their contributions that bring about stability, security, and control to their respective teams.
As an avid viewer of the Nations League matches, I find this mini European Championship a compelling precursor to Euro 2024. Among the memorable moments, Croatia’s triumph over the Netherlands in the semifinals stands out. The match was a fiery showdown, with the Netherlands holding an unbeaten streak of 23 years at De Kuip stadium. However, after extra time, it was the twenty thousand Croatians who celebrated in Rotterdam.
With a population of less than 4 million, Croatia’s men’s national football team has managed to reach the semifinals in two of the past World Cups. In the eyes of their devoted fans, Croatia is an embodiment of strength and love, driven by the players’ resilient and dedicated spirit to their nation’s colors.
At the heart of Croatia’s success stands Luka Modrić. A stalwart of the national team for 17 years, Modrić has proven himself as one of Europe and the world’s exceptional midfielders. A true icon akin to Xavi or Andrea Pirlo in their prime.
Players like Gündoğan and Modrić possess a unique skill set. It’s not about physical prowess, speed, or one-on-one duels that define them. Instead, their essence encompasses a harmonious blend of attributes.
Gündoğan and Modrić bring order and structure to their teams’ formations. Regardless of the situation on the field, they calculate the probabilities of creating opportunities and the associated risks, both for their own team and their opponents. They maintain possession securely, controlling and utilizing the ball effectively based on their impeccable sense of timing for launching attacks. Their prowess lies in maintaining a fine equilibrium between offense and defense. They are the on-field risk management experts, providing stability, security, and control to their teams.
The upcoming 2023-2024 season promises excitement. In the pinnacle of club football, the Champions League, a competition that unites the world’s best teams, a fierce rivalry could ensue between emerging powerhouse Manchester City and the enduring Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Barcelona, left behind in recent years, has a chance to bridge the gap with the addition of Gündoğan. In the Premier League, Arsenal aims to challenge the perennial champions, Manchester City.
As the tournament director for Euro 2024, I am particularly eager for this high-quality international competition. Modrić seeks a national team accolade. He came close in 2018, 2022, and 2023, but achieving this springtime feat remains an elusive goal
