Luka Modrić had a rough day at the office Sunday as Barcelona outclassed Real Madrid in the Spanish SuperCup final; winning 3-1 in Saudi Arabia. Via ManagingMadrid: “This was a terrible display across the board, but among the most shocking was Luka Modrić. The Croatian had a disastrous 65 minutes before Carlo Ancelotti withdrew him for Dani Ceballos. While he completed 27 of his 29 passes, only five were in the final third and none of them created a chance. Defensively, he lost both of his duels, failed to recover the ball a single time and committed one foul while winning none.”
Ivan Perišić started the North London derby on the bench Sunday but finally came on in the 76th minute. Arsenal bagged two first half goals that would stand in the 2-0 victory over Spurs. Arsenal now sit eight points clear of 2nd place Man City atop the English Premier League table. Tottenham sit in 5th place.
Mateo Kovačić came off the bench in injury time Sunday as Chelsea won their first match of 2023; beating Crystal Palace 1-0. This victory is a good start to pointing Chelsea’s season in the right direction, but Chelsea are still a sinking ship until further notice.
Lovro Majer played 89 minutes Sunday in a HUGE 1-0 Rennes victory over PSG. The win keeps the French Ligue 1 race tight with Rennes currently sitting five points behind a Champions League berth. Majer received a 7.5 grade (FOTMOB) for his efforts against Messi, Neymar, and PSG.
Luka Sučić assists with a through-ball as Red Bull Salzburg drew Bayern Munich 4-4 Friday in a club friendly.
My comment is awaiting moderation. They must be mad at me!! Lol 🙂
So I think some people are discounting Majer possibly because of his slight dip in form this season from the last.
https://one-versus-one.com/en/players/lovro-majer#:~:text=Lovro%20Majer%20has%202%20assists,74%20in%20the%20Ligue%201.
The article above demonstrates that his numbers are a bit lower than last season. Last season is where in some cases he was only behind Messi for percentage of goal scoring opportunities created. See the numbers in the article below.
https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2022/feature-why-rennes-lovro-majer-is-already-an-elite-midfield-creator/
It may be worth figuring out if Majer is being utilized a different way, or in a different position. But we also have to factor in that he is still young, so the numbers he produced on that first season were quite exceptional and we do have to see how the rest of this season will turn out for him.
I personally think he will turn out to be a great player, and many ways already has become one.
No. Anything more than 2+ links go straight to Mod. Fights off SPAM.
Fair enough I didn’t know that happens. I’ll try to keep it in mind. Must be quite a lot of work to keep this site going, I would imagine.
More than you know, Mate. But the heart wants what the heart wants! 🙂
Luka really needs to leave Real at the end of the year. Club legends like Raul and Casillas all left without respect. Spainards are dirty like Englezi and want to see stars crumble. He deserves nothing but love and respect. Find a new home for a year or 2 Luka! Italia would make sense.
I will say this, if I was in Modric’s shoes at Real Madrid, after the way some Spanish pundits and fans have been talking, I would definitely pack up and leave. If it were me. He turned down tons of cash to stay at Real Madrid, helped them win another Champions League Trophy, of the five he has been a part of, and only to be told to leave or that it’s time. That is disrespectful. I would go some where where they would pay me more if that was what I was hearing.
I hope, that if he chooses to stay that he gets some valued rest and can turn things around to shut some of these people up. I would love nothing more than to see him win another Champions League at this stage in his career, and then turn around say I think it’s time I move on. Whatever the case I hope it’s on his own terms.
Kovacic plays only 1 minute and Chelsea wins. Is that a coincidence? I think not, most overrated flog to ever wear the checkers
Actually Real Madrid could use both Kovačić and Brozovic.
How ironic.
Our midfield is now superior to Real Madrid’s.
Hazard is bum #1.
Kroos is makes Modrić look like he is 27, comparatively speaking.
The young Frenchmen are not ready for prime time.
Brazilians have a hang over from their Croatian lesson at the WC.
Modrić needs some support, like he now gets with Croatia.
Let him play in Italy and get ready for Euro 2024.
Real Modrić is retired.
Fake Madrid cannot be saved by Luka.
There are a lot bums out there playing like shit for Real Madrid not named Luka Modrić.
God bless Brozovic and Kovačić who allow Luka legend to continue for us in peace.
Maybe it’s time for that AC Milan Serie A swan song move for the summer?
All Croatians Milan back in effect.
Madrid is still in the race for first? Only 3 points behind Barcelona. The last three matches have been embarrassing considering they’ve conceded 6 goals, lost two games and barley beat Valencia. They did struggle in champions league but will be victorious against Liverpool. They’ll face Man City in the semi finals. What bums are playing for Real as of now? Alaba the starting CB is injured. The issues is all the midfield. Modric is 37, Kroos is 33, Hazard is 32. They need to intergrade the younger mids.
What is a Milan back effect??
Soul Champ, you seem like a decent dude, but please learn to write man. A few mistakes here and there is fine. But when you cannot understand the majority of what someone is saying it makes it difficult to carry on a conversation.
I am not trying to offend, it just really makes it difficult lol.
But yes I would agree the time back with Real Madrid looks to have been really difficult to Modric, I am not sure if this will pan out well for him. However, I do how that it does pan out well for him in the end.
Who knows what is going on in Modric’s mind. He didn’t sound too positive after the world cup, and time does take its toll. I hope for Modroc’s sake this year ends in some form of success for him. I would love to see Modric with another Champions League which right now is more meaningful for him than the Spanish Cup, in my view.
This is where the younger players now need to step up. Majer, Sucic, and company for the international squad. I think it is their time to shine.
I personally think majer should finish the year in France
Start fresh in summer
If his form stays on he will demand a pretty penny
Ya he runs the risks of being hurt
But would be nice to get a full camp and fresh start
What you guys think?
I am starting to think that in a couple of years a move to Real Madrid could be good for Majer. Or possibly sooner. Modric could really mentor the kid.
I am not bashing here, just stating my view as I do still like the guy as a player. But Kovacic does not seem the like the guy to do this for me or to step into Modric’s shoes, despite that most players would struggle to do so. Kovacic was great in a few of the games in the world cup, but I still think that a player like Majer or Sucic will have to be there to achieve this. Both are young are already showing great promise.
We will see. Either way Dalic start playing these guys more.
Small blurb on Majer.
https://www.foottheball.com/players-in-focus/lovro-majer-scout-report-creative-midfielder-stade-rennes-the-next-croatian-magician-modric/
Real looked like they didn’t want to be there — both games. That same managingmadrid.com gave Modric a 4 rating today while his fellow midfielders fared no better: Camavinga also a 4, and Kroos a 3. (Then there was Carvahal … a 3, and Rutiger a 2.) • I don’t think Barcelona looked overly interested during the semifinal match, either.
I don’t know if anyone has seen the recent UFC news. Francis has relinquished his title. Jon Jones will now face Cyril Gane in March for the vacant title. I never would’ve seen this coming. Jones has been inactive for close to three years. Dana White knows this will draw lots of attention and media. A president who hit his wife and a known wife beater Jones who is making a comeback. Stipe posted on his Twitter saying “I’m next” insinuating that he wants to fight the winner in July. Stipe can make his comeback. However, he needs a tune up fight. He could fight Pavlovich or Blaydes. No much upcoming talent in the heavyweight division. Maybe even Volkov could be a potential fight for him. Stipe is definitely negotiating with Dana. Dana knows losing Francis was a blow and is running out of potential matchups for the belt. Let’s see brates..maybe a July weekend matchup we could have ourselves.
There’s no such thing as a “tune up fight” in MMA unless it’s a complete tomato can. It’s not boxing, there’s too many different ways to win/lose in this sport which I personally am not a fan of, who likes watching a man taking multiple blows to his head after he’s already been knocked out? It’s an ugly sport and seems to end very poorly for most of these fighters, including the great ones. I much prefer Kickboxing, which I think is the coolest sport out there, and watching proto-Croat Antonio Plazibat – the heir apparent to Cikatic and Crocop.
You clearly don’t know what your talking about. Tune up fights aren’t specifically designed for tomato cans. You think Stipe should automatically get a shot after being inactive for almost two years and after that KO? Boxing is a, old outdated and dying sport. MMA is way better. Not to mention any grappler or jitsu artist could dominate majority of weight divisions and take down boxers. Why do you think Sambo guys are taking over? Strikers and boxers can’t keep up. I’ll only tune into boxing when Fury fights or when Hrgovic gets a big match.
MMA is way better, but the money doesn’t reflect it.
The gap between boxing and MMA is just way too big, and I don’t blame these guys for leaving the sport to cash in. Francis is a big name now, and even if he’s an average boxer…he’ll make way more money in one boxing match than he would in several MMA title shots (which are all high-risk fights with such variable outcomes).
MMA is just so much more volatile than boxing, where you could be on top of the world as the best fighter…then get KO’d to oblivion and never be heard from again. Francis is no special case, and could easily lose to anyone in the heavyweight division just as easily as he won them, and end up with little to show for it (financially) in the end.
In Stipe’s case, it’s strategically not a good idea for him to have a ‘tune up’ fight. He can get tuned up in practice by sparring with MMA fighters.
The chances of him winning or losing to a guy like Jon Jones is not too far off from his chances of him doing the same against Pavlovich or Blaydes.
The benefit of losing to Jon Jones is that it won’t really hurt Stipe’s legacy (since Jon is so high profile) and at least Stipe gets paid more for that title fight. At the same time, if he wins against Jones, then his reputation skyrockets and is able to retire as the heavyweight champ.
But if he takes a tune up fight and loses to Pavlovich, it will hurt his reputation more (than a loss to Jones would), he would get paid less, and he can kiss that title shot goodbye. Winning doesn’t do that much for him, other than further cementing a title shot (which still may not be guaranteed).
Stipe’s friendly, humble demeanor really hurt his income opportunity.
When he was on top, he really should have tried to max out his earning income. He was the top heavyweight with the most title defenses. Incredible feat.
He didn’t have to resort to being a trash talker or anything like that, but he really should have tried harder to sign promo deals, launch some products, or schedule a boxing match to cash out at least another several million. He didn’t have to go straight to Fury, but at least he could have tried to get something going with someone up there.
Stipe Miocic has a very low worth ($4 million), that does not reflect his amazing achievements.
I know people who are worth more than that, and they’re nobodies.
Stipe may end up having long term issues with those heavy punches to the head, so it’s very important that he makes sure he makes as much money as possible during the peak of his career.
If I were him, I would only fight again if it’s against the winner of that Jon Jones match, for a title shot.
In the meantime, I would try and use my name to start some sort of product, school, or something that could really earn him some money (since he’s still a big name in MMA).
I’m glad that he loves being a firefighter, but if he can do both, then he really should do what he can right now (to cover himself for any dark days in the future).
Atlanta won 8-2 over Saleron Saleritana..
thanks for not having Pasalic at the party
enough is enough – Dalic put Pasalic for nothing
It’s time to kick out him and hire Mr. Agadmator!
Mr. Agadmator knows this team well
by his lines up for the world cup 2022:
………………………… Antonio Colak ……………………………..
……… Perisic …… Luka Modric …… Mirv Orsic ………
……………….. Kovacic ……………. Brozovic …………………
Bor Sosa ……. Gvardiol ……. Sutalo ……. Juranovic
…………………………… Livakovic …………………………………
if Croatia had this formation.. things would change
I know we have spent time talking about this
I feel we didn’t know really give the 3 man back line a fair chance
DCC and Jakic, two guys who are on the outside looking in have played these roles
I don’t see how we can’t do it with our defence now?
Until we get a striker, this may allow us more opportunities going forward?
I would think this round of qualifying may give us the opportunity to see this??
While this kessie kid is 4 years younger
Most Barca fans I saw online would gladly do the broz swap
Making me Think broz is still a grade or two higher and doubtful inter will swap
Would be cool to see broz at Barca tho Maybe play 3-4 years. Really would strengthen up their midfield
Kova back to Madrid? Would that even be a possibility?
Would love to see him move but to where?
Could he actually be a good fit in Barca as well?
Im sure most teams would love to get 2/3 of the Croatian Bermuda Triangle on their squad
Obviously be really good for the two of them to continue to develop together as it should pay massive dividends next two tourneys
And they will be able to help majer, sucic or whoever to take that empty midfield spot when king luka leaves the throne
Barca and Spain were stacked in the 2010s we know
But the playing together is just a massive piece to success
Thinking back on the old jugo league and how no one was able to leave till what 27 or whatever?
It obviously strengthened competition but allowing the players to play regularly throughout the season
Like could you imagine 4-5 of our main guys played together on some random team like Torino
It would greatly strengthen the repka by being together and maybe seeing different looks in positioning
Can some super rich Croat buy a lower level german team and make this happen please?;)
https://sempreinter.com/2023/01/15/barcelona-propose-franck-kessie-marcelo-brozovic-loan-swap-but-inter-milan-unconvinced-italian-broadcaster-reports/
It looks like these rumours are heating up. I’d love to see Brozovic in Barcelona.
While I think in some ways it would be good for Broz, the question is what kind of a role does he have at Barca?? We have to remember the reliance that Inter Milan has on Broz who have him playing almost every game, which is great for him and his personal development. He may be resting now but that is only do to the minutes played in the world cup, as I personally believe that Broz is our second best midfielder next to Modric. This is of course, if we are not counting Perisic who is more of an attacking winger type, even though he is often listed as an attacking midfielder by some.
@ Dannyj
CROhampton doesn’t beat Everton yesterday and drag them down into into the relegation zone with them then I think it would have been bleak for their EPL survival.
DCC is now going to be in place where he has to focus every time out to be excellent.
This is exactly what he needs.
Oršić knows big games and big moments. He will have the opportunity to shine these next 5 months for both club and country.
They both will be sharper for Croatia.
@ Svima
Kovačić should let that Chelsea contract expire and choose where he wants to play for the final chapter of his career.
He has those long telemere genes and will be good through his mid 30’s.
Get him back to Spain or Italy.
I have noticed his confidence is at new level these days.
He looks good in a Chelsea team that absolutely sucks.
Real Madrid could use him as the heir to Modrić. I don’t see anyone like him there in the current crop of midfielders.
Brozovic could play anywhere as well.
These two are the most underrated players in the world. They have allowed Modrić to continue shine at 37!
DCC is actually family so I’m partial to seeing him succeed
But I don’t care I want who is best for the repka
I agree tho, these are big game games, being demoted in England is for sure the embarrassment but the financial loss and it’s not exactly just easy to get back up
This is massive for his future career
Hopefully orsic gets his chances soon!
Hard for Southampton to change lineup too much when it’s going well
Looks like DCC with another solid outing
He played central in a 3 man defence
Good stuff
Big win over fellow cellar dwellers Everton
Orsic didn’t even play? WTF
In the doghouse already 😉
Must be the luka playing like a bust of 2023
Can we get a new version of Croatias most promising youth and a link to last years article?
Why don’t you get your staff to pull up the database that you run analytics on?
We should be asking you for this. 🙂
🤣🤣🤣
Well played lol
Živa, baš si dosadan.
shut up ..
Dalic still put Lovren over everyone >
and let him yell and bully the youth
Lovren is a legend for the national team and deserves more respect, especially from people who have absolute no clue about Football. He is a serial winner, was excellent in our 2018 and 22 WC run and a true patriot to top it off
totally blind _
you won’t dare to say that ~
upon your trial under guillotine!
Lovren rules dude!
https://croatiansports.com/brightest-mladi-vatreni-to-look-out-for-in-2022/
There, I spent a few minutes locating it so that you can stop asking in every freaking thread.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnY9pHVIvSA/?igshid=NTdlMDg3MTY=
Brozovic to Barcelona? This would be a good move.
He’d fit just fine and get more money (which he deserves).
Barca should try and snag Kovacic to play with Broz too (since Kova’s contract expires in 18 months). I would reach out to his agent and get it in his head, so he doesn’t extend. Chelsea are going nowhere fast.
I always like seeing our players on teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern, Juventus, and the top EPL clubs (so long as they are starters).
It raises our team’s profile even more.
Gvardiol and possibly Majer may end up on one of these teams too.
He’s a good fit for Barcelona. He’s definitely better than Busquets at this point, he’s fast, and he plugs a defensive hole in that team’s midfield that no young player in their system is ready to fill (their good players are all more attack-oriented). He’s also two-footed, which I have identified as one of the flaws in Barça’s midfield. Their midfielders rely too heavy on their strong foot, and it slows down counterattacks that they are otherwise equipped to capitalize on with the speed and skill of their strikers.