TF90M looks at the difficult dilemma that faces Harry Redknapp with regards to Croatian Luka Modric.
"He's such a fantastic footballer that it's difficult to nail down where his best position is, but wherever he plays, he's absolutely brilliant, a top-class player." Harry Redknapp
Luka Modric, the diminutive Croatian, has been Tottenham's ‘man of mystery' since Harry Redknapp took over as boss at the North London club. Still unclear of which his best position is, Redknapp admitted it is hard to pinpoint Modric's best position in a recent interview with Hotspur magazine.
Originally stating Modric was most effective playing behind a striker, Redknapp in recent weeks has instructed the Croatian to operate from the left of midfield. Playing in this new role, Modric has drawn praise from his manager.
"He's done that job on the left side fantastically for us.
He comes off the touchline and gets involved in-between [the midfield and attack] and he's a difficult player for full-backs to mark because he doesn't just stay wide on the left.
He therefore gives the full-back the problem of whether or not he comes inside with him and if he does, that creates holes for us as well."
Whether or not Modric will continue to play in this position, it is clear that he has started to find his feet in the English game.
Initially many pundits were sceptical that the Croatian could deal with the hustle and bustle of the Premiership, standing at just 5 ft 8 tall. Further to his light frame, the poor start Spurs had to the season coupled with a loss of form, Modric failed to live up to his glowing reputation. The £16.5 million price tag loomed large over his head and Spurs found themselves at the foot of the table.
However as the season has progressed and Spurs have rediscovered their form, Modric has started to settle with his winning goal against Chelsea culminating an overall positive debut season.
Despite Italian giants Juventus being strongly linked with a move for Modric, as they look for a replacement for retiring playmaker Pavel Nedved, Modric has dampened down rumours that he is set to leave the club by stating that he is happy with life in England.
Believing the club can only improve under Redknapp, next season, in whatever position he may be played, Luka Modric may just help Tottenham rejoin the fight for fourth spot.
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