In Luka Modric and David Silva, the Premiership has two fantastic attacking midfielders blessed with pace, vision and technical ability. Both are slight in build, favour attacking from the left of midfield, have 40-odd caps for their respective countries and have embraced life in the Premier League
But, both were slow to adapt the fast-paced and physical nature of the Premier League after big money moves. Even now they occasionally suffer from lapses in concentration and are often caught in possession. And, their best performances tend to come in sides where they are freed from defensive duties by the likes of Wilson Palacios or Nigel De Jong. As such, could it be argued that the pair are somewhat underappreciated outside of their respective clubs?
Signed in the summer of 2005 for a fee approaching £17 million, fans and press alike were quick to write off the young Croatian Luka Modric. Then-coach Juande Ramos played Modric in a deep lying role alongside Jermaine Jenas in a stuttering Tottenham side. But, following the appointment of Harry Redknapp, Modric was allowed more attacking freedom and played in a much more attacking role, often on the left of midfield. This allowed the midfielder to play his natural game and, freed from defensive duties, Modric improved significantly as a Tottenham player. This season, however, with the rise of Gareth Bale and acquisition of Rafael van der Vaart, Modric has moved back into the centre of midfield. Admittedly he is now more of a player than when he was first used in central midfield and does a fantastic job as Tottenham’s playmaker. But, by receiving the ball in a more exposed position, he has rediscovered his tendency to get caught in possession to the disappointment of certain Spurs fans.
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Signed for around £26 million and with a World Cup winner’s medal in his pocket, big things were expected of David Silva at Eastlands. Silva was eased gradually into the hustle and bustle of the Premier League and, unlike Modric, was saved the baptism of being thrown straight into the centre of midfield. Having played most of his football on the left hand side or as a support striker and given time to adapt, Silva has flourished given attacking freedom and scored 6 times for Manchester City. Good on the ball with fantastic movement, Silva is any wing back’s nightmare but has been criticised by some City fans for his lack of defensive capabilities.
But whilst the pair have come under some criticism for their contribution based on stats alone, you cannot deny the impact they have had on this season Premier League. Both act as the heartbeat of their respective clubs, keeping play ticking over with a combination of fantastic vision and passing. Whilst they might not post as many goals or assists as other players, they are clearly integral to their teams.
Modric may have come under criticism for rarely beating his opposite man and Silva has been criticised for his lack of marking, but that is not their job at their clubs. At City, fans idolise Carlos Tevez as their goalscoring talisman, whilst this season Modric has had to watch on as the plaudits have hailed Bale and van der Vaart. On paper they might not seem the most important names on the teamsheet, but without them City and Spurs would lack serious creativity and drive.
Various rumours have linked Modric with potential big-money moves to clubs across Europe. Manchester United have also been linked with the Croatian in their long-term project to replace Paul Scholes. Whilst he might not be every manager’s dream Premiership midfielder, there are clearly managers out there who appreciate his fantastic ability. And, if one of those is in fact Sir Alex Ferguson, then he must be doing something right.
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