Niko’s form to allow Luka Modric to take centre stage?
Tottenham’s Croatian star Luka Modric will play in a friendly game tonight as he moves forward with his recovery from the broken leg he suffered back in August. Since his injury, Spurs signed his compatriot Niko Kranjcar from Portsmouth for £2.5 million as cover and he has excelled since his move to London with 2 goals in 10 league appearances. This raises the question of whether it would be possible to get both players on the pitch at the same time to good effect.
Modric ended last season strongly and before suffering his injury he was playing very well on the left side of midfield. This position allowed him to drift in from wide areas and link up with the strikers dangerously. Kranjcar has taken on that role recently and so Modric could feasibly be used in a different position when he returns from injury in the centre of midfield. Tottenham’s current central midfield partnership is that of Wilson Palacios and Tom Huddlestone; Palacios is a phenomenal talent but has struggled for form recently while Huddlestone has been playing well, though the criticisms of his lack of mobility remain relevant. The two provide a solid base for Kranjcar and Lennon to get forward and link up with the strikers. Introducing Modric to the centre may upset this balance as he is physically more vulnerable.
However, Modric made his name for the Croatian national team playing in the central midfield in a deep-playing playmaker role similar to that of Italy’s Andrea Pirlo. He found great success when he picked the ball up from the centre-backs and could orchestrate his side’s attacks with his vision and passing ability. Whether this could be as effective in the Premier League is up for debate. When Modric first arrived at Tottenham he was deployed in the centre a lot and struggled as he met central midfielders that were too powerful for him. Now that he has had time to adapt to the English game, he may be more successful in the central area.
Tottenham have an abundance of attacking players and it is more likely than not that Redknapp will simply rotate his Croatian midfielders rather than change his tactics to accommodate Modric. But the return of the little schemer does give him more options and it is something that may be worth investigating as the season progresses.
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It would be difficult to have both Modric and Huddlestone in central midfield, neither are competitive enough to win balls back and set up attacks. That is what Palacios is supposed to give, not that he has in recent weeks, but I believe you still would need somebody to tackle in central midfield. Most likely thing as you said Gawthaman would be Harry rotating the two Croatians.
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“Tottenham’s Croatian star Luka Modric will play in a friendly game tonight” – the match was played before this article was posted.
kinda invalidates reading the rest when you obviously haven’t got a clue…
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Kranjcar has been subbed consistently by Harry this season. So this means that Modric can be introduced gradually playing 20 mins here or there – like for like. Once Modric is fit and influencing game, then maybe start with him on left. Long term I can possibly see 3 ways of accomdating them both 1) Modric behind lone striker – this did work last season for a time. Drawback? Another moaning striker on bench. 2) Modric LM, Kranjcar centre in place of Hudd – Modric centre might be too tough for him – especially after long injury. Drawback? Can our midfield handle the more attacking centre? 3) Kranjcar left, Modric right. Drawback – we will lose width, so I don’t see this as an option – unless Lennon injury forces us.
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Modric needs to be running the game from the middle of the park. The Palacios and Huddlestone combination has worked well so far and would be reluctant to see that changed straight away but gradual introduction of modric for huddlestone is the way forward. His slight frame should not be an issue alongside Palacios
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Modric is one of the best players in the world and despite his small frame he never pulls out of a tackle. I am convinced he should take Hudds place but 100% HE PLAYS WHEN FIT!!!
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