Why it hasn't worked for Modric in Madrid

When are players going to learn that the grass isn't always greener on the other side? Too many times, footballers have left their current club on the premise that life will improve at their new team. For Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric, his move to Real Madrid hasn't worked out the way he'd initially hoped.

The Croatian was voted the worst signing of 2012 by Marca readers last month after failing to replicate his Spurs performances for Los Blancos. It's a major dent to the club's ambitions that their star summer signing is failing to light up the Bernabeu after such a long winded transfer process.

But why hasn't it worked out for Modric? Why hasn't the diminutive schemer been able to showcase his capabilities to the Madrid faithful? It's fair to say, the club have been going through a somewhat tumultuous period as of late, what with speculation rife that the La Liga giants are prepared to give head coach Jose Mourinho the boot sooner rather than later.

His well documented fallings out with the playing staff, Cristiano Ronaldo aside, has aided his cause, while his seemingly personal vendetta against 'San' Iker Casillas is unlikely to have gone down well with the fans, not the Spanish contingent within the club.

Coming into such an environment is unlikely going to help a player settle into his new surroundings, something Modric has admitted. Furthermore, Mourinho has looked to utilise the former Spurs ace higher up the pitch in a position that he isn't familiar with.

During his stint at White Hart Lane, the 27-year-old played the role of deep laying playmaker, often making the assist that leads to the the assist that leads to the goal. Playing in the number 10 position behind the front-man isn't what Modric is accustomed to and it's no shock to have seen his impact hindered as a result.

While it can be considered harsh to have been voted the worst signing of 2012 in La Liga, what with Alex Song hardly impressing for Barcelona, it's fair to say that the midfielder isn't necessarily impressing for Madrid following his big money move over the summer. 

Follow @BenMcAleer1

Comments

[RhinoNeal]

He should have stayed at Spurs. It would be great if he came back to us where he was happy. It would be great if Spurs got Leandro Dalmiao and Modric back that would complete the team.

[Jimbo]

Except he wasn't happy at Spurs was he?

[OfftheShelf]

Modric is in the top 4 as far as his game goes, that is the problem, his game does not go as far as the players' he hoped to replace in the team at RM.
He keeps the midfield moving with short but effective passes, when playing at his best he makes himself available to others giving them an extra option, his passes to the forward(s) are rare and his goalscoring is even more rare.
He is not as effective in the middle as Ozil who has a bigger game, and cannot make the runs and powerful shooting as does De Maria nor is he as good in defence as Alonso.
He was brilliant as Spurs in doing what was needed especially with VDV finding space in front of him giving him the option of the 'pass before the assist' but more is needed at RM and the fans' and other players know this.
I believe that he will be moved on after JM goes, where to, who knows but after refusing to play for Spurs I for one do not want him back at WHL even though he was brilliant at times.

[rob]

I used to watch the lads train at The Lodge and Modric was very happy at WHL before Madrid started tapping him up. There were whispers in his ear that a player of his calibre should be playing at one of the giants, and his attitude changed. I cannot say I am shedding any tears at his current plight, but I have little doubt that he would improve our team if he returned. That however will not happen for a number of reasons and we should forget about him; he is a silly boy.

[patnevin]

Not wanted or needed at Tottenham any more. The pairing of Dembele and Sandro is starting to look fantastic and i wouldn't want anything to mess that up. We've got Holtby to come in yet too. It would never happen anyway. JImbo, you saying he wasn't happy at Spurs, maybe for the last season he wasn't but for the first 3 years he was. He played the best football of his career at Tottenham. I imagine he'll end up at Chelsea inside 12 months. Berbatov's a good example to lok to for when things don't alawys work out well.. Ok they might win a medal or two but in reality, how much do they contribute towards them? They join a club that is on the brink of adding to what they've already won, play a minimum role and then celebrate like they've played a major role in that success and are the reason the new club have won said silverware. Levy is brilliant. Make the buyer think they're buying the very soul of the club and demand stupid money for them. Thanks for the few years service Luka and good luck for the future. Hopefully you'll learn when to stick next time.