Player #80 Luka Modric (Croatia)

Name: Luka Modric
Age: 27 
National Team:  Croatia 
Team: Real Madrid (Spanish Premier League) 
Position:  Midfielder

Description of his Game: His ability to quickly change directions, his vision of the entire field, his equal abilities with both feet, and his passing accuracy, even at long distances, make him one of the most incredible midfielders today.  Whether playing for the Croatian national team or Real Madrid, Modric seems to consistently establish a telepathic relationship with his teammates.

Luka Modric's Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD05pjd3kpI

Career News:  Modric signed with Dinamo Zagreb as a 16-year old in 2002. 

Interesting Personal Facts:  Born in the then Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Modric grew up during the Croatian War of Independence.  In 1991, his family fled after his father joined the Croatian army and his grandfather passed away.  Having been a refugee, Modric lived in a hotel for some time with his family and was eventually enrolled in a local sporting academy. 

Upcoming Matches Where You Can See Him Play:

Croatia's National Team
October 11th -Belgium  (World Cup Qualifier)
October 15th - Scotland (World Cup Qualifier)
Schedule:  http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/europe/matches/team=43938/index.html

Real Madrid (Spanish Premier League)
September 25th -Elche
Schedule:  http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/Home.htm