'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Luka Modric joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2102 and he could not have started his career at the Bernabeu in a better way as in his first match he won the Super Cup Espania with the club, it was his first trophy and definitely not the last one.
At the end of his first season, he was named as the worst signing of the season, but the Bernabeu fans kept faith in him and next season under Carlo Ancelotti he rejuvenated himself and since then he hasn't looked back.
Now he after six seasons in Spain he has won four Champions Leagues, three UEFA Super Cups, three Club World Cups, two Spanish Super Cups, one LaLiga title and one Copa del Rey. In the process, he has established himself to be one of the best midfielders in the world.
Not only in attacks the former Tottenham star is equally efficient in defence as well. Though he may not score a lot of goals or provide assists, his work rate and ability on the ball is second to none. In other words, he is the engine of this Real Madrid team.
Even at the age of 32, he shows no signs of slowing down and he is still ready to run up and down the pitch, but Real Madrid are already preparing for life after him, as they have prioritized finding a replacement for him more than the pursuit of Neymar.
Though replacing a player like Modric to close to impossible, but Real Madrid have to accept the fact that they might not find someone like, they can only find a player who is efficient in his position but in a different way.
#1 Miralem Pjanic (Juventus)
Miralem Pjanic has been one of the most consistent players for Max Allegri Juventus. In his two seasons with the club, he has already racked up 91 appearances. This speaks of the volume of his ability and how much consistent he has been for the Turin the giants.
His playing style is of a deep-lying playmaker, many also consider him to be a renaissance of a dying breed of midfielders. The former Lyon midfielder is the man who pulls the strings in the midfield for Juventus. He also plays the role of linking the defence with attack.
During his time with the Old Lady, he has also improved his game defensively as well. Often sitting in between the two central defenders he also makes many interceptions for Juve when they face counterattacks.
Though his playing style may not be similar to Modric, with him Kroos in the midfield they can be in control of the game against any opponent. Even when Madrid faced Juventus in Bernabeu, Juve was a different team than they were at Allianz Stadium and his presence made a huge impact for them.
Real Madrid is already said to be interested in him and the Old Lady has already set the price for him as well.
Los Blancos are likely to face competition from Machester City and Barcelona for him.
#2 Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)
Christian Eriksen has been one of the best playmakers in the Premier League for some time now and under Mauricio Pochettino he has really blossomed. This season he has scored 15 goals and further provided 11 assists in all competitions.
He has been named the Danish Player of the Year for three consecutive years in a row and he helped Tottenham to challenge for major honours as well. The former Ajax midfielder always steps up for Spurs in big games as well.
Real Madrid have a good relationship with Tottenham when it comes to transfer dealings as they have previously signed Modric and Gareth Bale from the London based club. Eriksen always has an eye for a killer pass and with someone like Cristiano Ronaldo could really use that (if he stays).
The Dane would not be a like to like replacement for Modric but he would a wonderful addition to the squad.
And with time he can eventually replace the Croatian in the Real Madrid starting line up. Also, Tottenham have not won any major silverware and the chance to challenge for major honours could tempt him.
Once again the Los Blancos will face competition from FC Barcelona for the player as they are also interested in him.
#3 Mateo Kovačić (Real Madrid)
At the age of 24, the former Inter Milan is already an established winner with three Champions League titles, one La Liga, one Super Copa Espania, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups to his name.
Though he hasn't been able to nail down a regular place in the starting place, but he has efficient whenever called upon. This season again he managed to make 37 appearances for the club.
His style of play is very much similar to his Croatian compatriot, he has a good technique and great dribbling skills as well.
He is also blessed with plenty of pace and his versatility also makes him valuable squad member. Like Modric, he also picks up the ball in from deep and makes runs with the ball into the opposition's defence.
He is also good in attacking and at the same time he is also capable of helping out his defence.
The former Dinamo Zagreb midfielder has been a top passer of the ball this season for Real Madrid with 92.9%
Considering the current inflation in the transfer market, his experience, age and playing style he should be a perfect replacement for Modric.
#4 Maxime Lopez ( Marseille)
Though he may not be as popular as other players on this list, Maxime Lopez is young and very talented as well.
At the age of 20, he is a regular for French side Marseille and a Europa League finalists as well.
He is also in line to be a part of French Football Golden Generation and he came through the youth ranks of Marseille youth academy.
He is only 20 years old but he has already made more than 80 appearances for the French club.
Whenever he on the pitch his style of play reminds everyone of Modric.
He has been also described as a player with Spanish mold. He is an elegant midfielder who can run the show with his impressive passing range and forward runs.
The youngster is highly unlikely to replace Modric next season, but he can definitely be a long-term replacement for him.
Keeping in mind his young age it is safe to say that his best days are yet to come and even in this inflated market he should not be an expensive acquisition.
Even former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is also an admirer of the Frenchman and the Los Blancos are set to go head to head with the Catalan giants for him.
#5 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio)
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is the name which has been in transfer news for some time now. The Serbian was one of the best performers for Lazio as they narrowly missed out on Champions League.
He has been in great form for the Italian club and his performances have been impressive this season. His quality and characteristics are of a top and he is just 23 years old as well. This season he has been one of Lazio's best players.
He is 6'4 inches tall and he also possesses good physicality as well. Right now Madrid only have Casemiro as a player who can dominate the midfield physically, but with him and the Brazilian they will be able to do that as well.
The former Genk midfielder is also defensively very sound and makes good tackles and produces good passes as well.
Alongside these attributes, he is a good dribbler and possesses good aerial threat as well. Madrid could really profit from his aerial ability and use him as an extra man in the box for their crossing game as well.
Though he has a big price tag to his name and the Los Blancos will face competition for from Manchester United and Juventus.
Who do you think could possibly replace Modric at Madrid? Sound off your opinion in the comments section below!
