Luka Modric makes 'everything easier' - AC Milan star named one of Serie A's 'strongest' and compared to legend Andrea Pirlo as 40-year-old continues to thrive since Real Madrid exit

Modric joined Milan from Real Madrid on a free transfer after his contract with the Spanish club expired. Milan have won three of their four games so far, with Modric contributing a goal and an assist. His performances have drawn widespread praise, with coach Massimiliano Allegri noting that he is often a step ahead of his opponents.

In an interview with Gazetta dello Sport, Albertini hails Modric for the quality he has transmitted not just on the field but in off the field as well, saying: “Modric has brought calm and serenity to the group. Only a great champion who plays in that position can get his team-mates to perform better than expected. With Luka, everything is easier. Both for the young players and the new ones.

“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 twenty-year-old or run for 90 minutes. But with those feet, he makes the difference.”

Albertini also compared Modric to another Milan midfielder who re-invented his, adding: “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 [Michel] 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.”

Pirlo became a Serie A legend across his spell at AC Milan, where he won two Serie A titles, before he was allowed to leave for Juventus due to his age. He went on to claim a whopping four league crowns with the Bianconeri before ending his career at New York City. Modric is hoping to have a similar late-career impact in the Italian top-flight, and Albertini says the Rossoneri are obligated to challenge for the title.

"Milan can't, but they must, fight for the Scudetto," he added. "When you wear the Rossoneri shirt, you're forced to aim for the top, also to understand what you're missing the following year. Managing moments during the season is an unknown for everyone, but these first few days have shown that the Rossoneri can stay at the top.

"[Allegri] knows how to win and how to build something. If you have a solid group, that follows you and works well, transmitting your tactical beliefs is easier. Against Bologna and in Udine I saw a team with clear ideas."

Modric will hope to guide Milan to their 20th Scudetto title while keeping himself in peak condition to join the Croatian national team for the 2026 World Cup.