5 players to watch during the European playoffs for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

#2 Luka Modric (Croatia)

Ukraine v Croatia - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier

Along with Sweden and Italy, Croatia must be one of the most talented teams in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. Even though, sometimes, names do not necessarily form a competent national team, Croatia have enough players to compete against any team in the world.

And who would argue otherwise? It only takes one look to their squad to see elements such as Ivan Rakitic, Mario Mandzukic, Darijo Srna, Ivan Perisic, Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic as some of the names that Croatia usually field on a regular basis.

But even if we consider that insane amount of talent, there is little doubt that the most important player on the Balkan side is no other than Real Madrid's midfielder Luka Modric. The former Tottenham playmaker has somehow improved further since joining Los Blancos, and he is arguably among the best midfielders in the world at the moment.

Croatia are one of the heavy favourites to snag a World Cup berth, since they will play against Greece, but they can't get complacent. The Greek side have enough talent to complicate any team in Europe, and Croatia need to be at their best offensively.

And if they want to reach the tournament next year, Luka Modric must play a huge role. He will be in charge of connecting the defence with the attack, in a similar role to what he does at Real Madrid, but with fewer defensive responsibilities.

Let's be honest, though. If he can do half of what he does at Real Madrid, then Croatia have a big chance of making it to the World Cup.