So where is Modric rated in best CM’s of all time ?

[MadDogg]

Xavi>Modric>Iniesta

Xavi is the greatest midfielder I've seen and that's purely for his vision and passing. Incredible player. I usually got bored when Barcelona dominated every match so I would focus on individual players, Xavi in particular. What a player. Unreal vision, quick turn and accuracy on the pass.. There's no midfielder like him. Give it to Xavi in the tightest situation and he will find a solution. The phrase: "eyes in the back of his head" belongs to him and him only.

Modric is most all round of the 3 and has the best longevity.

Iniesta most technically gifted and could dribble out of any tight situation. His passing was maybe better than Modric as well, at least in the final third. scored some important goals, but overall I feel Modric and Xavi offer more to a team.

Yep, that's how I see it as well.

Modric is fantastic and is certainly the best midfielder of his generation, but Xavi was a level ahead of him again. Not just the best of his generation, but the best I've seen in my time watching the sport to the extent that I find it difficult to fathom a midfielder actually being better. He was the heartbeat of both the Barcelona and Spain teams that dominated everything.

Iniesta was a great player and one of the best big-game players ever, but I think of him more of an attacking midfielder rather than a central midfielder. Sure he could play that deeper role as well, but certainly not to the same level as the absolute top guys. As such it's more difficult to compare him to the other two, but if I had to then it's Xavi then Modric then Iniesta.

 

[Iker Quesadillas]

Barcelona never sold Xavi, he was untransferable and at 24 years old hes vice-captain of Barcelona as they win the league and then la liga player of the year in 2005.

Xavi never won "La Liga Player of the Year." He won La Liga Spanish player of the year.

It is not true that he was "untransferable." There are multiple references online to the club considering transfering him in 2007. For example, here from El Confidencial, Moises Llorens, and Javier Gomez Matallanas.

And if you don't believe them, you can take it from Xavi himself:

"Rijkaard did not believe in me. He wanted our game to be based on a superior physical level. He believed that it was the only way to be at the same level as the top clubs in Europe. Four or five years ago, I was [deemed] terrible and useless. I was Barca's cancer! A player 1,70m tall was simply impossible."
- Xavi Hernandez, 2012

 

[Hammondo]

Why not? Xavi was an assist machine leading the league in the numbers. Modric was criticized for his end product not being in the same stratusphere

Who has been a midfielder that had the most assists in the league and wasnt appreciated in the premier league?

The vast majority of seasons he didn't get a standout amount of assists. It certainly wasn't a big part of what made him so good, and you are pretty much proving my point.

Also aside from City now, no team would play the type of football to get close to the most out of him.

 

[Sanjuro]

First of all, the stories about Modric becoming a great player only later in his career are pure historical revisionism and ignorance. Modric won the award for the best Croatian player for the first time in 2007 (still playing for Dinamo Zagreb) and he was already the leader of the Croatian national team, which, among others, beat England (with Gerrard and Lampard) at Wembley in 2007 (England missed the 2008 Euro because of that). On Euro 2008 Modric was in Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament (there is no Iniesta in that team, only Xavi). In 2010/11 season when he was Tottenham Player of the Year he led them to the quarterfinals of the Champions League...

Playing for Spain, Xavi and Iniesta have had more success than Modric playing for Croatia, but Xavi and Iniesta in period 2008-2012 played with players such as Casillas (captain and one of the best goalkeepers of all time), Ramos (one of the greatest defenders of all time), Puyol, Fabregas, Torres, Xabi Alonso (all time great), Pique, David Villa, Busquets (all time great)... and for comparison Modric in 2018 "only" led Croatia, which has 4 million inhabitants, to the World Cup final as the best player of the tournament.

Modric played in the 5 Champions League finals. Besides Modric only Carvajal and Benzema played all five Real Madrid's Champions League finals in this era but Modric played the most minutes (Modric 120+120+90+90+90, Carvajal 120+52+90+37+90, Benzema 79+77+77+89+90). He was a key member in all 5 Real Madrid's Champions League campaigns, he was chosen in Champions League Squad/Team of the Season every time when they won the title (he was also in Champions League Squad of the Season last season when he lost in the semi-final).

By the way, for comparison, Xavi and Iniesta each won 4 Champions Leagues, but Xavi didin't play in the first final and in the last he played only 12 minutes. Therefore, the dominant Xavi played a major role in only 2 finals, Modric in 5! Xavi in Champions League Finals 0+90+90+12 minutes. Iniesta 45+90+90+78 minutes!

Modric has won 20 trophies in 10 years with Real Madrid, only 5 less than Marcelo, the most decorated player in the history of Real Madrid, who has won 25 trophies (but in 16 seasons!); for comparison Cristiano Ronaldo has 15 trophies with Real in 9 years. If Modric was English, French, Spanish, Italian or German player, given his football and life path, legends would be told about him, and since he is from small Croatia, a number of people often discredit him, clearly visible on this thread/forum as well...

Luka Modric is unquestionably GOAT tier midfielder class, one of the best ever midfielders in the history of football and he has a full showcase of both team and individual trophies which confirms that. Whoever claims otherwise is ignorant!

 

[adexkola]

Xavi reigns supreme.

Modric has done enough that arguments about him or Iniesta are valid (I think recency bias is a factor in this debate so you'd get more valid opinions out of this debate in a few years).

But Xavi reigns supreme.

 

[adexkola]

The vast majority of seasons he didn't get a standout amount of assists. It certainly wasn't a big part of what made him so good, and you are pretty much proving my point.

Also aside from City now, no team would play the type of football to get close to the most out of him.

If you have peak Xavi, you play your football to get the best out of him, otherwise you get sacked.

 

[Tavern in the town]

Surely if Modric is in the convo (which he is) then Kroos deserves to be there too.

 

[izec]

Xavi, then closely behind Modric. No doubt.

 

[adexkola]

First of all, the stories about Modric becoming a great player only later in his career are pure historical revisionism and ignorance. Modric won the award for the best Croatian player for the first time in 2007 (still playing for Dinamo Zagreb) and he was already the leader of the Croatian national team, which, among others, beat England (with Gerrard and Lampard) at Wembley in 2007 (England missed the 2008 Euro because of that). On Euro 2008 Modric was in Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament (there is no Iniesta in that team, only Xavi). In 2010/11 season when he was Tottenham Player of the Year he led them to the quarterfinals of the Champions League...

Playing for Spain, Xavi and Iniesta have had more success than Modric playing for Croatia, but Xavi and Iniesta in period 2008-2012 played with players such as Casillas (captain and one of the best goalkeepers of all time), Ramos (one of the greatest defenders of all time), Puyol, Fabregas, Torres, Xabi Alonso (all time great), Pique, David Villa, Busquets (all time great)... and for comparison Modric in 2018 "only" led Croatia, which has 4 million inhabitants, to the World Cup final as the best player of the tournament.

Modric played in the 5 Champions League finals. Besides Modric only Carvajal and Benzema played all five Real Madrid's Champions League finals in this era but Modric played the most minutes (Modric 120+120+90+90+90, Carvajal 120+52+90+37+90, Benzema 79+77+77+89+90). He was a key member in all 5 Real Madrid's Champions League campaigns, he was chosen in Champions League Squad/Team of the Season every time when they won the title (he was also in Champions League Squad of the Season last season when he lost in the semi-final).

By the way, for comparison, Xavi and Iniesta each won 4 Champions Leagues, but Xavi didin't play in the first final and in the last he played only 12 minutes. Therefore, the dominant Xavi played a major role in only 2 finals, Modric in 5! Xavi in Champions League Finals 0+90+90+12 minutes. Iniesta 45+90+90+78 minutes!

Modric has won 20 trophies in 10 years with Real Madrid, only 5 less than Marcelo, the most decorated player in the history of Real Madrid, who has won 25 trophies (but in 16 seasons!); for comparison Cristiano Ronaldo has 15 trophies with Real in 9 years. If Modric was English, French, Spanish, Italian or German player, given his football and life path, legends would be told about him, and since he is from small Croatia, a number of people often discredit him, clearly visible on this thread/forum as well...

Luka Modric is unquestionably GOAT tier midfielder class, one of the best ever midfielders in the history of football and he has a full showcase of both team and individual trophies which confirms that. Whoever claims otherwise is ignorant!

No mention of La Liga?

 

[Andrade]

Prefer as in, you liked watching him more than Xavi?

Because i submit that anybody who believes Iniesta was better than Xavi shouldn't be allowed to talk about this sport, myself

No, prefer as in I thought he was a better player. Many knowledgeable people think this, I'm not sure why you think it's so beyond the pale.

 

[Andrade]

Iniesta was never a better passer or string puller than Modric. He was flashier at times with his assists but he was never consistent enough to be the engine. Modric was and remarkably still is an engine and has done it in a system (Real) which has been way more improvisation heavy in the last decade than the ridiculous well oiled possession machine that Barca was during their peak.

Iniesta was very good at a lot of things, but his one defining trait at which he was basically unrivaled (save arguably Messi), was his close control. Had he had Luka's brain (discipline, vision, and then the lungs to carry it all through) and a better killer instinct he'd probably be a part of many GOAT conversations. Xavi is much more similar to Modric, and they are both 10/10 generational CMs. Nuances here and there, but accolades and honestly just plain old eye test tell me they belong in the best midfielders of all time category, without need to put one over the other.

Hilarious post

 

[adexkola]

Iniesta was never a better passer or string puller than Modric. He was flashier at times with his assists but he was never consistent enough to be the engine. Modric was and remarkably still is an engine and has done it in a system (Real) which has been way more improvisation heavy in the last decade than the ridiculous well oiled possession machine that Barca was during their peak.

Iniesta was very good at a lot of things, but his one defining trait at which he was basically unrivaled (save arguably Messi), was his close control. Had he had Luka's brain (discipline, vision, and then the lungs to carry it all through) and a better killer instinct he'd probably be a part of many GOAT conversations. Xavi is much more similar to Modric, and they are both 10/10 generational CMs. Nuances here and there, but accolades and honestly just plain old eye test tell me they belong in the best midfielders of all time category, without need to put one over the other.

Iniesta didn't have discipline or a brain or stamina? I need a lie down...

 

[adexkola]

You know those comments that let you know that the person who uttereth, hath no fecking clue about the topic at hand? Yup, a few of them in this thread.

 

[MrEleson]

First of all, the stories about Modric becoming a great player only later in his career are pure historical revisionism and ignorance. Modric won the award for the best Croatian player for the first time in 2007 (still playing for Dinamo Zagreb) and he was already the leader of the Croatian national team, which, among others, beat England (with Gerrard and Lampard) at Wembley in 2007 (England missed the 2008 Euro because of that). On Euro 2008 Modric was in Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament (there is no Iniesta in that team, only Xavi). In 2010/11 season when he was Tottenham Player of the Year he led them to the quarterfinals of the Champions League...

Playing for Spain, Xavi and Iniesta have had more success than Modric playing for Croatia, but Xavi and Iniesta in period 2008-2012 played with players such as Casillas (captain and one of the best goalkeepers of all time), Ramos (one of the greatest defenders of all time), Puyol, Fabregas, Torres, Xabi Alonso (all time great), Pique, David Villa, Busquets (all time great)... and for comparison Modric in 2018 "only" led Croatia, which has 4 million inhabitants, to the World Cup final as the best player of the tournament.

Modric played in the 5 Champions League finals. Besides Modric only Carvajal and Benzema played all five Real Madrid's Champions League finals in this era but Modric played the most minutes (Modric 120+120+90+90+90, Carvajal 120+52+90+37+90, Benzema 79+77+77+89+90). He was a key member in all 5 Real Madrid's Champions League campaigns, he was chosen in Champions League Squad/Team of the Season every time when they won the title (he was also in Champions League Squad of the Season last season when he lost in the semi-final).

By the way, for comparison, Xavi and Iniesta each won 4 Champions Leagues, but Xavi didin't play in the first final and in the last he played only 12 minutes. Therefore, the dominant Xavi played a major role in only 2 finals, Modric in 5! Xavi in Champions League Finals 0+90+90+12 minutes. Iniesta 45+90+90+78 minutes!

Modric has won 20 trophies in 10 years with Real Madrid, only 5 less than Marcelo, the most decorated player in the history of Real Madrid, who has won 25 trophies (but in 16 seasons!); for comparison Cristiano Ronaldo has 15 trophies with Real in 9 years. If Modric was English, French, Spanish, Italian or German player, given his football and life path, legends would be told about him, and since he is from small Croatia, a number of people often discredit him, clearly visible on this thread/forum as well...

Luka Modric is unquestionably GOAT tier midfielder class, one of the best ever midfielders in the history of football and he has a full showcase of both team and individual trophies which confirms that. Whoever claims otherwise is ignorant!

Excellent post. What make him so incredible too is how excellent he is in every facet of the game as a midfielder. He can do literally everything required of CM to at least a 9/10. Unquestionably, much more complete than Xavi and Iniesta .

 

[Andrade]

They're not even in the same league. One was the most dominant midfielder of all time. The other was a sublime complementary player

A ridiculous post.

 

[Partridge]

I have xavi slightly ahead. His passing in tight situations was fantastic. What a player.

This isn't a slight on modric. His consistency and longevity is remarkable.

 

[giorno]

You know those comments that let you know that the person who uttereth, hath no fecking clue about the topic at hand? Yup, a few of them in this thread.

Definitely

 

[rainey]

Iniesta didn't have discipline or a brain or stamina? I need a lie down...

Discipline and stamina to play a proper CM (Modric or Xavi mould, especially in a 2man midfield), sure. He was a creative attacking mid with brilliant close control that he'd complement with the occasional goal or killer pass. Sure he was a delight to watch but he could never make his teammates better or the whole system tick the way the other two could. And that to me is what defines a proper midfielder/playmaker, at least one that isn't strictly defense oriented. Anyone who'd pick him over Modric or Xavi in their midfield just doesn't really understand the anatomy of football. Iniesta was more style than substance, while Xavi and Modric are probably perfectly balanced in that aspect.

 

[Murder on Zidane's Floor]

Modric in the Barca team still works.

Xavi in the Madrid team, I don't think it works as well.

Modric, Xavi I think. The all time list, comfortably top 25

 

[Hammondo]

If you have peak Xavi, you play your football to get the best out of him, otherwise you get sacked.

Modric was not best used by spurs. British football has not got a good history with midfielders outside of a few.

 

[troylocker]

Iniesta didn't have discipline or a brain or stamina? I need a lie down...

He only scored one late world cup winning goal in his career too, remember.
He was only instrumental in winning 2 Euro’s, 1 WC (Xavi awarded player of the tournament twice, while Inesta only got the award once), 4 CLs, 9 LaLigas and 19 other trophies with Barca. 3/4 of Spains trophies came in the Iniesta/Xavi era, 4/5 of Barca’s CL trophies and more than 1/3 of their LaLiga throphies came in the Iniesta era. Imagine what he could have done with a brain, better discipline, better lungs and a killer instinct….

 

[troylocker]

Discipline and stamina to play a proper CM (Modric or Xavi mould, especially in a 2man midfield), sure. He was a creative attacking mid with brilliant close control that he'd complement with the occasional goal or killer pass. Sure he was a delight to watch but he could never make his teammates better or the whole system tick the way the other two could. And that to me is what defines a proper midfielder/playmaker, at least one that isn't strictly defense oriented. Anyone who'd pick him over Modric or Xavi in their midfield just doesn't really understand the anatomy of football. Iniesta was more style than substance, while Xavi and Modric are probably perfectly balanced in that aspect.

I think you underestimate Iniesta a great bit here. He played just short of 600 matches as a CM (almost 200 of those as captain) for the best ever Spain and Barca, but I guess that was just as a passenger? He was just as important as Xavi in my book, or more accurate: they were extremely good together.
FYI: He only played around 100 matches as AM and 150 as a winger….

 

[rainey]

He only scored one late world cup winning goal in his career too, remember.
He was only instrumental in winning 2 Euro’s, 1 WC (Xavi awarded player of the tournament twice, while Inesta only got the award once), 4 CLs, 9 LaLigas and 19 other trophies with Barca. 3/4 of Spains trophies came in the Iniesta/Xavi era, 4/5 of Barca’s CL trophies and more than 1/3 of their LaLiga throphies came in the Iniesta era. Imagine what he could have done with a brain, better discipline, better lungs and a killer instinct….

He was a great player. But he wasn't a better midfielder than either Xavi or Modric. Cause the latter 2 were more complete. That's the point I was trying to (obviously unsuccesfully) convey with my posts. And him scoring crucial goals doesn't mean he had a killer instinct. Poachers have that. Iniesta had modest numbers throughout his career G/A wise, but he came up big in crucial moments. Which bolstered his reputation to stardom but it didn't somehow alter his playstyle. He still scored like 1 in 10 for Barca/Spain. And they weren't exactly teams that played modest or uneffective football.

Discipline I was referring to was him being unable to play a classic CM. Meaning to hold his own defensively and be the engine/tempo setter offensively. His strenghts were designed for a hybrid CM/AM role. Plus he wasn't a marathon runner either. All of this is fine because he complemented the other 2 in that Barca trio wonderfully. But let's say in 10 years time, when people will be making their GOAT elevens and whatnot, I bet you'll see the names of Xavi and Modric pop up alot more than Iniesta.

Anway I feel like I'm repeating myself so I'll stop here.

 

[Lord SInister]

Iniesta's tactical awareness and positional sense is second to none. Dude knew exactly when to go for a defensive approach and when to go attacking approach. Same with Xavi. Anyone saying otherwise needs to be ignored, simple, period.

 

[Hammondo]

First of all, the stories about Modric becoming a great player only later in his career are pure historical revisionism and ignorance. Modric won the award for the best Croatian player for the first time in 2007 (still playing for Dinamo Zagreb) and he was already the leader of the Croatian national team, which, among others, beat England (with Gerrard and Lampard) at Wembley in 2007 (England missed the 2008 Euro because of that). On Euro 2008 Modric was in Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament (there is no Iniesta in that team, only Xavi). In 2010/11 season when he was Tottenham Player of the Year he led them to the quarterfinals of the Champions League...

Playing for Spain, Xavi and Iniesta have had more success than Modric playing for Croatia, but Xavi and Iniesta in period 2008-2012 played with players such as Casillas (captain and one of the best goalkeepers of all time), Ramos (one of the greatest defenders of all time), Puyol, Fabregas, Torres, Xabi Alonso (all time great), Pique, David Villa, Busquets (all time great)... and for comparison Modric in 2018 "only" led Croatia, which has 4 million inhabitants, to the World Cup final as the best player of the tournament.

Modric played in the 5 Champions League finals. Besides Modric only Carvajal and Benzema played all five Real Madrid's Champions League finals in this era but Modric played the most minutes (Modric 120+120+90+90+90, Carvajal 120+52+90+37+90, Benzema 79+77+77+89+90). He was a key member in all 5 Real Madrid's Champions League campaigns, he was chosen in Champions League Squad/Team of the Season every time when they won the title (he was also in Champions League Squad of the Season last season when he lost in the semi-final).

By the way, for comparison, Xavi and Iniesta each won 4 Champions Leagues, but Xavi didin't play in the first final and in the last he played only 12 minutes. Therefore, the dominant Xavi played a major role in only 2 finals, Modric in 5! Xavi in Champions League Finals 0+90+90+12 minutes. Iniesta 45+90+90+78 minutes!

Modric has won 20 trophies in 10 years with Real Madrid, only 5 less than Marcelo, the most decorated player in the history of Real Madrid, who has won 25 trophies (but in 16 seasons!); for comparison Cristiano Ronaldo has 15 trophies with Real in 9 years. If Modric was English, French, Spanish, Italian or German player, given his football and life path, legends would be told about him, and since he is from small Croatia, a number of people often discredit him, clearly visible on this thread/forum as well...

Luka Modric is unquestionably GOAT tier midfielder class, one of the best ever midfielders in the history of football and he has a full showcase of both team and individual trophies which confirms that. Whoever claims otherwise is ignorant!

If Modric was English then until he joined RM I am not sure he would have been picked, we overlook these types of players often.

 

[Tavern in the town]

He was a great player. But he wasn't a better midfielder than either Xavi or Modric. Cause the latter 2 were more complete. That's the point I was trying to (obviously unsuccesfully) convey with my posts. And him scoring crucial goals doesn't mean he had a killer instinct. Poachers have that. Iniesta had modest numbers throughout his career G/A wise, but he came up big in crucial moments. Which bolstered his reputation to stardom but it didn't somehow alter his playstyle. He still scored like 1 in 10 for Barca/Spain. And they weren't exactly teams that played modest or uneffective football.

Discipline I was referring to was him being unable to play a classic CM. Meaning to hold his own defensively and be the engine/tempo setter offensively. His strenghts were designed for a hybrid CM/AM role. Plus he wasn't a marathon runner either. All of this is fine because he complemented the other 2 in that Barca trio wonderfully. But let's say in 10 years time, when people will be making their GOAT elevens and whatnot, I bet you'll see the names of Xavi and Modric pop up alot more than Iniesta.

Anway I feel like I'm repeating myself so I'll stop here.

I agree with you. I see Iniesta the same way I see Zidane in that obviously they were both supremely gifted footballers, but definitely overrated in terms of their contribution over a full season. Aware almost no one will agree with this.

 

[pawanraj]

This one's gonna run like the Cristiano vs Messi debates... In terms of pure technique and passing, most people will automatically pick Xavi. However, Modric has been the key player for stylistically different teams, in different, more physical leagues... in terms of adaptability, tactical flexibility and just sheer resilience & longevity, Modric wins.

It ultimately comes down to what you value more in a midfielder... In my head, Xavi is a better central midfielder... but Modric is a better overall footballer. That's how I choose to see it anyway.

 

[Gehrman]

This one's gonna run like the Cristiano vs Messi debates... In terms of pure technique and passing, most people will automatically pick Xavi. However, Modric has been the key player for stylistically different teams, in different, more physical leagues... in terms of adaptability, tactical flexibility and just sheer resilience & longevity, Modric wins.

It ultimately comes down to what you value more in a midfielder... In my head, Xavi is a better central midfielder... but Modric is a better overall footballer. That's how I choose to see it anyway.

Dunno Xavi was a better passer and probably had better vision, but Modric was/is a better dribbler and knows how to press his opponents very effectively. But in a way you're right I guess.

 

[rainey]

So I hopped over to Whoscored, who seem to be the only site that goes back to cca 2009/2010 seasons for statistics in relevant European leagues.
I was curious to see how Modric compared to Xavi/Iniesta, plus I squeezed in Busquets cause why not.

So the stats I looked at were 2 defensive one and 2 offensive ones: Tackles/Interceptions/Key Passes/Dribbling. It's by no means totally accurate because Xavi only has 6 seasons worth of data while Modric and Busquets have, well, basically a shit ton more. But it's enough to paint a picture. It takes into account both CL and national team appearances. It's career per game numbers.

Tackles:
Busquets (2.5), Modric&Iniesta (1.4), Xavi (0.8)

Interceptions:
Busquets (1.8), Modric (1.5), Xavi (0.9), Iniesta (0.8)

Key Passes:
Xavi (2.2), Modric (1.6), Iniesta (1.3), Busquets (0.6)

Dribbling:
Iniesta (2.1), Modric (1.6), Xavi (0.7), Busquets (0.5)

Most surprising to me was the tackle part, where I thought Xavi would be slightly better and Iniesta slightly worse. Summary? Busquets best defensively, Xavi most creative, Iniesta best dribbler, Modric best balanced. I also did a quick math on their average minutes played and Iniesta did indeed have the weakest lungs, averaging 72 minutes per 90. Busquets was best with 80 and Modric a close 2nd (again) with 78.

Just something for all you numbers lovers to chew quickly through.

 

[RG77]

Dunno Xavi was a better passer and probably had better vision, but Modric was/is a better dribbler and knows how to press his opponents very effectively. But in a way you're right I guess.

Tbf both are at such an incredible high level when it comes to passing and vision, is there even a difference? I don’t think I’ve ever seen either Xavi or Modric making a pass that the other one could not.

 

[Chesterlestreet]

Most surprising to me was the tackle part, where I thought Xavi would be slightly better and Iniesta slightly worse.

It's an interesting stat. But one factor could be that Iniesta - simply - found himself more often in the first line of defence (as it were) when possession was lost (which would be high(er) up the pitch: they lost possession much less frequently in deeper positions (where Xavi would be operating more often than not). *

Possibly.

Iniesta was a hound - he would relentlessly try to regain possession. And - again - he would normally do this from a, say, starting position that was higher than Xavi's (who also hounded relentlessly when off the ball).

But then again, it could also be that Iniesta was - simply - a more effective tackler than Xavi.

I mean, as a purely defensive player, I wouldn't rate Xavi all that highly. I certainly wouldn't trust him in the Biscuits role at all. That wasn't his game.

* To elaborate: prime Barca sought to regain possession as soon as possible: this was part and parcel of their game. Iniesta was a key player in that regard - he was usually high up the pitch and he pressed per default (and he was good at it). In other words - if Iniesta made a statistically successful tackle, Xavi (who was usually further back/in the second line of defence) didn't have to.

 

[MVBDX]

"What does he do? He doesn't get goals, he doesn't assist, he's bordering on a 5 aside player" - Graeme Souness on Modric, right before 2014 CL final.

 

[Red the Bear]

"What does he do? He doesn't get goals, he doesn't assist, he's bordering on a 5 aside player" - Graeme Souness on Modric, right before 2014 CL final.

Did he really say that

 

[Robaldo]

He's the best I've seen (watching football since 2006).

I think Busquets-Xavi-Iniesta is the best midfield I've seen, but individually Modric tops them.

 

[Real Name]

Top 5 surely.

At 37 he's playing whole games and doesnt even look tired near the end of them, pulling strings for Croatia last night left, right and center.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

I'd say top 5. For personally I don't rate any modern midfielders above Bobby Charlton, Matthaus and Didi

 

[Idxomer]

His longevity at the top level gets him above any other midfielder in the last 30 years.

 

[RoyH1]

Top 5 surely.

At 37 he's playing whole games and doesnt even look tired near the end of them, pulling strings for Croatia last night left, right and center.

Saw that game too. He looks just a cut above other players in his positioning and range of options at his disposal. At age 37 that's astounding.

 

[GMoore23]

Modric is the best cm I've ever seen. Put him in both great barca sides and he'd have been amazing, just like at Madrid.

Replace Modric with Xavi for Croatia's 2018 world cup and not a chance do they make the final.
Modric carried them to that final with an unbelievable level of performance. The skill combined with huge workrate and unbelievable levels of stamina, I've never seen the likes of from any other cm.

Xavi is an all time great no doubt but for me sits below Modric. The latter could play for any manager using any system and still be amazing whereas Xavi would need a certain style of play to perform to his very best, hence, Modric is the more complete player.

 

[Vialli_92]

Xavi only for he was an integral part of probably the best team I'll ever see in my lifetime.

Modric is definitely in the conversation he has it all and very hard to pick a winner but I'll go with Xavi.