\n
Luka Modric has become a legendary figure in the Croatian national team since he made his debut 20 years ago in the 2006 friendly between Croatia and Argentina.<\/p>\n
This match not only allowed him to face Lionel Messi, whom he has admired many times and considers to be the greatest player of all time, but also one of his Albiceleste teammates, whom he has recently admired.<\/p>\n
Modric reveals his admiration for Riquelme<\/h2>\n
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the current Milan player recalled that match as an important moment in his career, emphasizing its importance not only because it was his debut for the national team, but also because he shared the field with one of the players who influenced him the most. <\/p>\n
Modric recalled that the national team coach had warned that the task against Argentina would be difficult, but in response he downplayed the seriousness of the situation and asserted that they are used to playing against tough opponents.<\/p>\n
“At that moment, I saw confusion on his face, but I didn’t know why. But when I went to the match and saw Riquelme, I knew that he was the reason for the coach’s fear,” Luka said.<\/p>\n
Juan Romun Riquelme was one of Albiceleste’s star players at the time and caught the attention of young Luca. Luka particularly noted the Argentine’s intelligence and vision on the field.<\/p>\n
“What I admired most about Riquelme was that every time he had the ball, he visually scanned the field, from the closest space to the furthest space. He was always trying to find a passing option, whether it was to set up a goal or escape from opponent pressure,” Modric said. <\/p>\n
Furthermore, the Croatian player recalled how difficult it was to play against Riquelme on the field, saying that Riquelme had a very unique technique and it was almost impossible to take the ball away from him. <\/p>\n
“I remember him running with the ball, as if in a strange way. Every time he got close to me, he could make me fall in front of him, and I watched him run away so easily,” confessed the former Real Madrid star. <\/p>\n
\nRiquelme was a great player.<\/p>\n
Luka Modric<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\nRomun is currently president of Boca Juniors, the Argentine club where he grew up, while Modric plays for Milan and the national team. <\/p>\n
He has played in four World Cups – 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022 – and will be playing in his fifth tournament, making him one of the few players to reach this milestone. He will be part of Group L alongside England, Ghana and Panama.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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