Even at 41, Luka Modric is the backbone of the AC Milan team and it’s no different for Croatia, where he remains at the heart of everything.

Watching Modric play, you’d not think he’s 41. In fact, you may even think he’s in his prime years. He’s slowed a little, but his brain and feet still conduct the magic that you expect from the maestro. He makes his own drop the peak look like the top level for anyone else.

Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial!

He’s a rare breed of player, not just in terms of quality, but his will to keep going and his immortality was further proven with his goal last night that established him as Croatia’s oldest ever goalscorer. Yet, it’s not a goal that you’d have associated with someone at the end of their career.

Bilic praises Modric

Speaking after the game, Slaven Bilic commented on Modric’s performance and his importance to Croatia and football, as MilanNews relayed.

"For us, Luka is everything in terms of stability and pace. Kovačić, there’s no one like him in the world; there’s no player who doesn’t know how to dribble."