Real Madrid is advised to bring back the 'Mr. Champions League'

Real Madrid is facing a difficult season with a growing weakness in the midfield, and during such moments, Madrid supporters remember Luka Modric.

Luka Modric is a legend, one of the key figures during Real Madrid’s golden era. The Croatian star won 6 Champions League titles with the Bernabeu club and has made 597 appearances over the past 13 years.

However, Modric left Real Madrid in the summer of 2025 to join AC Milan, where he has performed excellently and helped the Rossoneri compete for the Scudetto. Looking at Real Madrid now, with injuries affecting every line, having Modric in the squad would be a “blessing” physically. As for his professional level, that goes without saying.

Because Modric is the backbone for both attack and defense at Milan. Purely in terms of playtime, he is the third most played Milan player in Serie A (1,826 minutes, only behind Saelemaekers and Gabbia). Another impressive stat is that Modric ranks second in ball recoveries (121 times) in a league known for its physicality like Italian football.

In Milan’s 26 matches across all competitions, Modric only failed to play a full 90 minutes twice (averaging 83 minutes per game). When Modric is on the pitch, Milan’s progress is clearly noticeable.

Modric ranks second in duels won (67 times), leads in passes intercepted or cut (29), tops in accurate passes (1,245), and is second in assists (3). Modric constantly transitions between offense and defense, serving as both a leader on the field and a role model for young players.

According to Marca, Real Madrid made a mistake letting Modric leave. His classy performances in Italy show he still holds great value and could contribute more at the Bernabeu. While Modric proves his all-around skills in Italy, Real Madrid struggles to find a player to fill the void left by the 40-year-old veteran.

Former coach Xabi Alonso and current coach Alvaro Arbeloa have both experimented with many stars in the attacking central midfield role that Modric used to play. From Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham to young talent Franco Mastantuono, none have delivered the consistent and continuous contributions that Modric once did.

Marca also reminded that Modric has not yet renewed with Milan, as he usually did in his final years at Madrid, despite Milan’s offer for him to stay. According to the leading Spanish newspaper, Real Madrid could reconsider in various ways.