Real Madrid's Luka Modrić was chosen as the best central midfielder in the selection of ESPN Sport’s 10 best.
Journalists from ESPN chose 10 players in nine categories including best goalkeeper, best striker, best winger, best manager and so on. Luka Modrić was named the best central midfielder on the list.
On Modrić ESPN writes:
“He may not be Real Madrid's best player, but he's the guy who probably makes them play best as a team. It's not just about the passing from midfield (Toni Kroos can do that, too) but the Croat's combination of dynamism, leadership and selflessness. Early in his career, some compared him to Johan Cruyff, partly for his elegance, partly for his vision, partly for the uncanny youthful resemblance. Truth be told, he's an artist with a hard hat, willing to do the dirty work with class. It's not a coincidence that Real Madrid tied him to a new contract through to 2020, the year he turns 35. He's the sort of midfielder who you feel can go on for a long time.”
Along with the Croatian captain in fourth place is Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitić. Between the two Croatian representatives was Sergio Busquets from Barcelona and Toni Kroos from Real Madrid.
On Rakitić, the well-known sport's portal claims:
“At Schalke they called him "Rakete," or "Rocket." You know it's more than a play on his last name if you've seen the way he explodes into space, hair in the wind, afterburners on, legs pumping. His versatility is striking, when you consider he was tasked with replacing a certain Xavi in the Barcelona midfield, and he has managed it without missing a beat. His touch is refined and accurate, but hidden beneath the surface is unusual power and dynamism. Having already taken Xavi's place, he may well end up as the heir to Iniesta in time, because there are very few things he can't do."
Amongst the 10 best right defenders was Shakhtar Donetsk's Darijo Srna in 10th place. You can view the full list here.
