Milan legend compares Luka Modric to Andrea Pirlo

Demetrio Albertini has compared Luka Modric to Andrea Pirlo in a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. The AC Milan legend spoke highly of the recently signed Croatian veteran and was quick to praise the 40-year-old’s impact since his free arrival from Real Madrid.

After three Serie A games under Massimiliano Allegri this term, the Rossoneri are third, and a solid midfield looks to be playing a big role with Modric and Adrien Rabiot often setting the pace.

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“Milan have one of the strongest midfielders in the league,” Albertini explained. “I’d say they’re on a par with Napoli. Allegri might be lacking something in attack, but in midfield, he’s already found the right balance between young and old. And by old, I’m clearly referring to that champion called Modric.”

Building on this, the man with 293 official appearances and five Scudettos with the red and blacks continued. “Modric has brought calm and serenity to the group. Only a great champion who plays in that position can get his teammates to perform better than expected. With Luka, everything is easier. Both for the young players and the new ones.”

Such was Modric’s impact in Saturday’s 3-0 away win over Udinese, the entire stadium applauded him as he left the pitch.

“It’s happened to Modric before, and rightly so. Rivalry is one thing, recognition of a champion’s worth is another. He’s done so much for football, and he still delights with his play.”

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Comparison to Andrea Pirlo

With age, it seems that Modric hasn’t lost that luxurious talent that made him synonymous with Real Madrid’s imperious form for so many years. His advancing years have seen him re-purpose his abilities parallel with what his body can do. Sitting deep in front of the defence, especially, he is a spectacle.

“Modric shouldn’t chase opponents, but rather give direction to the play. He needs midfielders who can find him, and he dictates the passing. You can’t ask him to have the physical stamina of a 20-year-old or run for 90 minutes. But with those feet, he makes the difference.”

The last AC Milan midfielder with this quality was a certain Andrea Pirlo. Albertini revelled in the comparison between the equally graceful players.

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“The comparison between the two holds true, and it’s no coincidence that they are two attacking midfielders who, over the course of their careers, have moved back to put their skills to work for the team.

“Previously, the front 10, from Platini to Giannini, were protected by midfielders and played high up the pitch. Then, players like Ancelotti and myself were deployed in the middle, who could play both as holding midfielders and as playmakers. Pirlo changed football in that role, and now Milan has another champion in front of the defence.”

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