Luka Modrić’s Impressive Heat Map Against Atlético Madrid

The leadership and performances of the old guard has been an important factor in the crucial wins Real Madrid secured over the last three games. In particular, Luka Modric has shined and helped drive his club to vital victories as they hopefully turned a corner.

The Croatian’s energy has been jaw dropping as he tirelessly works to provide support in the final third while not absconding from his defensive duties. Many are starting to wonder if the Ballon d’Or winner has truly discovered the fountain of youth.

Diario AS Twitter

Modric was ever present in the Madrid derby and was an essential component in controlling the pitch to stifle and break down Simeone’s men. The heat map shows that the midfielder did not limit his impact to a single area as he left his mark all over the field. While he was certainly more active on the right side as that was his assigned position, Modric seamlessly moved around as required to enhance ball circulation, play development, and defensive stability.

WhoScored website

Luka Modric’s game by numbers included 84 touches, 77 passes (90% accuracy including six accurate long balls), two shots, and two interceptions. As good as Modric was this game, it arguably wasn’t even his best showing of the last three games. And as much as he is proving that he is able to manage the demands being placed on him at his age, Zidane will need to ensure to use rotation to avoid overloading Real Madrid’s number ten.