Luka Modric was on the ball, scanning and planning, flowing through midfield. That liquid force, like rushing water. Only 21, in the midst of a Euro 2008 qualifier between Croatia and Russia, Modric was already supplying compelling evidence that he would be here two decades later.
It was June 2007, in the smoky, atmospheric Maksimir stadium in Zagreb. For some of us, it was our first sighting of Modric in the flesh. And he stood out; because he stands out. Even those 90 minutes of Modric told us he would see new horizons. And, of course, he has and he does.
More than 17 years on from that day and 21 years from his first loan spell from Dinamo Zagreb in Mostar, Modric has become the oldest player ever to kick a ball for Real Madrid since their founding, as Madrid Football Club, in 1902. It is a serious achievement.
If he comes on against Barcelona today, Modric may well face Lamine Yamal. Yamal was born a month after that qualifier in Zagreb. The span of eras, the longevity, is a piece of the Modric attraction.
It is also the standard at which he continues to operate. He is not, at 39, kicking around a lower league for the sake of a pay packet or his ego. Modric is still playing at the highest level. This is season 13 for him at the Bernabeu.
GO FURTHER
In appreciation of Luka Modric, the magician about to become Real Madrid’s oldest-ever player
