Is Madrid the right place for Modric?

After a summer-long transfer saga, Daniel Levy finally let go of his star playmaker Luka Modric for a reported £33 million (which he was still unhappy with, considering that the fee included £6 million in add-ons), lets look at what Luka Modric could possibly add at a star-studded Real Madrid.

Modric as a replacement to Ozil

Having seen him play in a central attacking role, more of a second striker at Spurs, one would assume that Mourinho would be foolish to use him in any other part of the pitch. Considering his passing accuracy, coupled with the kind of vision he possesses, it is hard to be tempted to tinker with his position. But it looks difficult to see him play in that role when Mesut Ozil has made it his own and Kaka already waiting in the wings to replace him.

Mourinho to tinker with his set up

The only way he can get into the starting eleven is if Mourinho chooses to play Ronaldo upfront as the lone striker, which will see either Ozil or Modric shift to the left in the pretty standard 4-2-3-1 which Mourinho uses in a majority of his games. Even though this is unlikely- because it will simply take the fun out of watching Ronaldo terrorize the opposition’s right-back. Besides, Benzema and Higuain wouldn’t exactly be pleased.

Modric as a deep lying playmaker

Having seen Juande Ramos use Modric in that role in the early part of the 2008 season, and his subsequent inability to fit in that role, Mourinho is unlikely to use his new expensive toy here. A lack of physical strength in Modric makes it very difficult for him to face and tackle attacking players which almost makes it impossible for him to win back the ball, the very reason why a defensive midfielder is used.

One man he could replace is the ever reliable Xabi Alonso, considering both are players in the similar mould with great vision and passing ability. Although Modric would bring a certain unrequired flair to this position, he could make it his own considering recent reports of Alonso’s refusal to a contract extension. Although this looks like an unlikely tactic, Mourinho could try it in certain unfancied Cup ties.

Modric to replace the unreliable Di Maria

Considering Modric’s versitality across the attacking positions in the midfield, he could certainly unsettle Di Maria and take his place in the starting eleven. Often very creative, Di Maria is a bit too inconsistent; hence making the right side of their midfield a bit predictable at times. Modric is completely capable to play on the right, although he prefers the left, this could be one position which Modric could make his own if he adapts well.