Spurs: If Modric leaves, here's what you will miss
Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric revealed his intentions to leave White Hart Lane last season and join Chelsea. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy though said the midfield maestro was going nowhere. True to his word, the Croatian international remained at the Lane and helped steer Spurs to a fourth place finish.
However, Modric is a man very much in demand and there are fears that we may have seen him in a Spurs shirt for the very last time. If that is the case then Steve Coulter has compiled a few video highlights to show you what you could miss.
The cultured schemer joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2008. A fee of £15 million brought the highly rated Croatian to White Hart Lane and he scored his first Spurs goal against Leyton Orient in a pre-season friendly.
The Croatian took time to adjust to the British game. His measured approach was in stark contrast to the breakneck pace of the Premier League. The arrival of
Harry Redknapp signalled an upturn in fortunes. The Juande Ramos signing struggled as Spurs plummeted into the relegation zone. When the Spaniard was relieved of his duties the midfielder prospered.
Modric helped gain a point in Redknapp's second game at the helm. With Tottenham trailing in the North London derby, Modric tried his luck from long range. The well struck effort hit the post and rebounded to the waiting Aaron Lennon. The winger made no mistake to make it 4-4.
Redknapp had the foresight to move the magician further upfield. The removal of the shackles enabled Modric to supply numerous chances for the Tottenham forward line, providing the ammunition for Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon. His precise forward passes also created opportunities for Spurs central strikers.
Modric helped the White Hart Lane club qualify for the 2010 Champions League. This improved form alerted other clubs. Chelsea looked the most likely suitors when they put in a £40 million bid. The Lillywhite board managed to resist their neighbours' advances and the star man remained a Spur. The former Dynamo Zagreb playmaker was in sparkling form at the beginning of the 2011/12 campaign. He put in a majestic performance when Liverpool visited the Lane.
His sublime goal capped a magnificent display. Modric is the hub of the Spurs wheel. Every attack is instigated by the midfield ace. He gave a similar performance when Aston Villa came to town. Rarely giving the ball away, he prompts every forward surge. His excellent vision is coupled with accurate defence splitting balls. The inspired signing of Scott Parker freed up Modric further. Parker's ball winning skills dovetailing with the artistry of Modric. The Parker effect even influenced his partner, look out for a Modric tackle in this compilation.
You will also notice how composed Modric is. On several occasions he is not afraid to run forward with the ball. But as we all know goals are the currency of the game and Modric can pay his due. This belter against Bolton rounds off my tribute to the midfield maestro.
Calling all Spurs fans. How much does Luka Modric mean to you and the future of Tottenham Hotspur? After knuckling down last season and putting in a real shift for you, having finished fourth, would you now be prepared to let him go and play elsewhere? How much do you think Modric is worth? What is your greatest memory of Modric? Whatever your views, we'd love to hear from you.
