In the diabolical coven that painted the derby night red and black, there is a football magician who never stops making good use of his craft. Granted, Moreira, Pulisic and Rabiot stood out above all others in the Milanese congregation, because ultimately, what remains most vivid in the memory after a victory against Inter are the goals.
At the Rossoneri's triumphant banquet, however, Luka Modric always occupies a place of honour. If not at the head of the table, then just beside it: the Croatian stood out in the city derby with his class, making those difficulties he experienced at the beginning of the season in adapting to this new Milan seem small and distant.
"An incredible victory, the best match we have played this season," the Croatian commented to CBS on derby night. "We are growing as a team, there are new ideas in our style of play. Sometimes there are ups and downs, but we must remember that if we want to achieve something important, we cannot afford to lose matches like the one we lost against Bologna."
This summer, after a World Cup that ended with a bitter taste in his mouth, Modric decided to remain at Milan for another year. "I feel good here, I am loved and appreciated," the midfielder reiterated. "After speaking with the club and the coach, I wanted to stay because I feel good here, I love this game and I enjoy myself. I want to help the team and the younger players grow," as relayed via Tuttosport today.
The first few months, however, were not particularly straightforward. In Amorim's new system, with a two-man midfield, Professor Modric began to struggle, and those difficulties seemed as though they might weigh too heavily on his performances.
Amorim's tactical shift brings Modric back into his element
His displays were no longer at the level of last season, but the turning point after Benfica benefited him. Amorim, following the Europa League defeat against the Portuguese side, made some changes to the system: with a back four and an extra midfielder in the middle, Luka rediscovered his ideal role. At the same time, Amorim rediscovered one of the most valuable players in the squad, both for his technical qualities and his experience.
Yunus Musah summed up the experience as follows: "Playing with Luka makes everything easier because, even though he is 41, he still has plenty of energy in his legs. He is good not only on the ball, but also defensively. He is intelligent, and I learn a lot from him."
An added value that must be preserved. Because it is true that Modric still makes the difference, but he needs to be carefully managed, and Amorim knows it. So far, Luka has started seven of Milan's 13 matches, and almost always in the league. In the Europa League, he has only featured for half an hour against Salzburg, when the result was already secured. On Thursday evening against Ferencvaros, he will almost certainly be left on the bench once again, before returning to the spotlight on Sunday away against Genoa.
