3 features which differentiate Luka Modric and Guti

Two different eras, two different midfielders. While one took his team all the way to the World Cup finals after a fantastic year with his club, the other is regarded as one of the most underrated Real Madrid players of all time.

Surely, the two have been compared on multiple occasions in terms of their appearance, style of play, and leadership qualities, but belonging to different eras and being a part of different squads have drawn out some factors that really set them apart.

Not only do they play in completely different positions in midfield, but their climb up the ladder of the first team has also made them different from each other. Guti started off as a striker, transitioning into a midfielder, and Modric came from being a 'regista' to a central midfielder.

While they may have same passing abilities or dribbling skills, 3 features set them apart totally. However, that does not put aside the fact that the duo have made major contributions to their club's success.

---

#3 Consistency

Guti barely ever was injured, but found it really hard to make an impact

One of the best things Guti was actually known for was his ability to pass the ball through some of the tightest spaces, creating what was called 'magic moments' for the likes of Ronaldo and Raul.

In fact, playing from a central role and transitioning into an attacking #10 was one of his special qualities. However, unlike Modric, the Spaniard lacked the consistency and the opportunity.

To be specific, Madrid had many reliable options in the form of Zinedine Zidane, which forced Guti to miss out on most of the matches earlier in his career. Guti barely ever was injured, but found it really hard to make an impact.

"All the doors are closing on me. I was improving as a midfielder, and Zidane arrived. I was improving as a forward and Ronaldo arrived. I'm now in the national team as a midfielder and Beckham comes" - Guti 2003

The Croatian on the other hand, has been extremely fluid with what he does. Winning 4 Champions League titles with his side, Modric has been more consistent than his counterpart. Featuring in almost all of the major games for Real Madrid is a reflection of his ability to be more fluid with his style of play.

#2 Style of play

Modric is a more complete midfielder than Guti

The most obvious similarities between the two midfielders are their work rate. Both Modric and Guti are sort of like the 'gears' that runs/ran the machinery of Real Madrid. Quick, agile, and genius, the two are the ideal playmakers when it comes to the midfield.

While Guti played mostly as an attacking midfielder, Modric in recent times has developed into a #10 as well, as was evident with his time with the Croatian national team.

However, their positions aside, they have distinct differences in terms of their style of play. Modric is a typical central midfielder, a midfielder who controls the flow of the game and takes charge of making sure his team does not frail, building the game from the back, playing box to box, as well as using pace and long-range passes. He is regarded as the master of the 'pre-assist'.

Guti on the other hand, was responsible for beating the defence in order to create the attacking opportunity required in order to score goals. His excellent vision as an attacking midfielder made him one of the players with the most number of assists in multiple seasons.

Unlike Modric, the Spaniard would usually situate himself in the midst of the action, waiting for the right opportunity. He was also known for doing the unexpected, such as accurately delivering a pass using the back-heel.

Overall, Modric looks like a more 'complete' midfielder, as he has the ability to play in multiple positions.

#1 Personality

Guti achieved first-team success later in his career

While Guti appeared to be taller and stronger, Modric is shorter. In the case of the Croatian, his low centre of gravity has actually allowed him to move past defenders more quickly. Meanwhile, talking about similarities, the duo have always portrayed leadership qualities appreciated by teammates.

Guti was always shy of opportunities due to the presence of Luis Figo or Zinedine Zidane, but he still tried his level best to register himself as one of the foremost Real Madrid midfielders, but was not really able to do it like Luka Modric.

Modric's recruitment in 2012 was questioned by many, but he was quickly able to climb the ladder, as he was not shy of opportunities. His presence on the field has spoken widely for him, as he has played a very important role in the resurrection of Real Madrid in the 2010s.