Luka Modrić (part 2)

Modrić finalized his move to Tottenham Hotspur on 26 April 2008, emerging as the inaugural summer signing for manager Juande Ramos and the Premier League's first transfer of the season. Amidst interest from Manchester City and Newcastle United, club chairman Daniel Levy swiftly sealed the deal, resulting in a 16.5 million transfer fee, equalling the club's record set by Darren Bent's move in 2007.


The Croatian midfielder, donning the number 14 jersey, paid homage to Johan Cruyff by sporting the iconic number. Modrić inaugurated his competitive Premier League journey on 16 August with a 2–1 defeat to Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium, marking the commencement of Spurs' 2008–09 season.


Modrić faced initial challenges at Tottenham, grappling with a knee injury and encountering skepticism about his suitability for the physically demanding Premier League, particularly from sections of the media and Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger. Undeterred, he responded to critics, emphasizing his mental and physical strength, stating, Maybe I look lightweight, but I am a really strong person mentally and physically, and I never had any problems with my size. Amidst concerns about his form, both for himself and Croatia's national team under coach Slaven Bilić, Modrić initially occupied the number 10 position before a shift to the left wing to partner with Wilson Palacios. Teammate Tom Huddlestone noted, versatility was probably a blessing and a curse, he was that good that he had to play out of position for a bit.


With the arrival of manager Harry Redknapp, Modrić transitioned to a more familiar role as a central or left-sided midfielder, allowing him to exert greater influence and utilize his footballing prowess more effectively. Notably, he played a pivotal role in a 4–4 draw against arch-rivals Arsenal on 29 October, showcasing his value to the team. He secured his first competitive goal for Tottenham in a 2–2 draw against Spartak Moscow in the UEFA Cup group stages on 18 December 2008.
The 2008–09 season saw him notch his first Premier League goals against Newcastle United, Wigan Athletic, and Manchester United, highlighting his growing impact on the pitch. Returning to his Dinamo days' position made him more effective, demonstrated by standout performances against Stoke City, Hull City, and a crucial goal against Chelsea on 21 March.


Heading into the 2009–10 season, Redknapp praised Modrić, describing him as a hell of a player and a manager's dream. Despite an injury setback in August 2009, where he sustained a fractured right fibula, sidelining him for six weeks, Modrić made a triumphant return against West Ham United on 28 December, scoring a goal with the same leg he had broken. He continued to contribute with goals against Everton, Burnley, and inked a new six-year contract on 30 May 2010, expressing his commitment to Tottenham and aspirations for success with the club.


Modrić initiated his goal-scoring account for the 2010–11 season, netting in a 1–1 away draw against West Bromwich Albion. During a home clash with Liverpool on 28 November, Modrić found the back of the net, although the goal was ultimately credited as an own goal by Martin Škrtel.
Following a White Hart Lane draw against Manchester United in January 2011, manager Harry Redknapp showered Modrić with praise, lauding his exceptional skills and describing him as an amazing footballer capable of playing in any team worldwide. Further contributions included a goal in Tottenham's 3–2 triumph over Stoke City on 9 April and a successfully converted penalty at Anfield on 15 May, contributing to a 2–0 victory over Liverpool.


Modrić played a pivotal role in Tottenham's inaugural UEFA Champions League campaign. In the first encounter against Inter Milan at the San Siro on 20 October, he exited early due to injury, witnessing Spurs succumb to a 4–3 defeat despite Gareth Bale's remarkable efforts. In the return match at home on 2 November, Modrić demonstrated his influence by creating and assisting for the first goal, securing a 3–1 victory against the Italian giants. Subsequently, in a match against Werder Bremen, he found the back of the net, contributing to a memorable European journey for the team. Despite a goalless draw against Milan, Tottenham's Champions League run concluded in the quarter-finals with a defeat to Real Madrid.


For the 2010–11 season, Modrić featured in 32 Premier League matches, notching three goals, providing two assists, and boasting the highest average number of passes per match for Spurs at 62.5, with an accuracy rate of 87. His outstanding performances earned him the title of Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year, with even then-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledging that Modrić would have been his choice for Player of the Year for that season.


Luka Modrić became the subject of fervent interest from Chelsea, Tottenham's London rivals. Chelsea initiated their pursuit with a 22 million bid, which was subsequently increased to 27 million. Both offers were steadfastly rebuffed by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. Following the unsuccessful bids, Modrić publicly expressed his openness to a move across London and disclosed a gentleman's agreement with Levy, indicating that the club would entertain offers from a big club.
Speculation surrounding the transfer persisted throughout the summer transfer window, reaching a climax when Modrić refused to participate in Tottenham's opening match of the 2011–12 season against Manchester United, resulting in a 3–0 loss. Modrić attributed his absence to his mindset, admitting that his head was not in the right place as he continued to seek a move to Chelsea. Despite Chelsea's final bid of 40 million on the transfer window's closing day, the offer was once again rejected.


Following the failed transfer saga, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp urged Modrić to redirect his focus to playing and reinstated him as a starter. On 18 September, Modrić marked his return with a goal, scoring from 25 yards in a 4–0 home victory against Liverpool. His contributions continued, with a crucial goal on 14 January 2012, securing the only goal in a home draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers. On 31 January, in a 3–1 win against Wigan Athletic, Modrić showcased his playmaking abilities by assisting for the first goal with a crossfield pass and scoring the second from 20 yards. This stellar performance earned him a place in the Team of the Week for the third time that season. Modrić concluded his goal-scoring stint with Tottenham on 2 May in a 1–4 away triumph against Bolton Wanderers, delivering a powerful volley from 25 yards.

References

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