World Cup 2018: Top 5 players for Croatia so far

#1 Luka Modrić - Midfielder

2018 FIFA World Cup

Luka Modrić is Croatia's undisputed leader on the pitch. In the group stage, Modrić scored the second goal in the 2-0 victory for Croatia over Nigeria. Against Argentina, Modrić earned his second Man of the Match award after scoring the second goal in the 3-0 dismantling of the South American side.

In the round of sixteen, Modrić wasn't perfect and missed a crucial penalty with five minutes remaining in the second half of the extra time against Denmark. The game went to the penalty shootout, and Modrić scored when he got his second chance.

His quarterfinal display was pretty good against Russia. The game was decided in the penalties once again, and Modrić was not bothered by the home crowd and scored his shot, although with certain suspense, but Croatia advanced to the semis.

Against England in the semifinals, Modrić didn't have his best game in the first half, he elevated his game up and helped Croatia to make a comeback, capped off in the extra time with Mandžukić's game-winner.

Modrić is emerging as a likely candidate to dethrone Cristiano Ronaldo, his former teammate, as a Ballon d'Or winner. He's a sure candidate to win the Golden Ball of the World Cup and earn the price as the best player in the tournament.

Next Sunday's result will determine Modrić's opportunities for individual awards, which naturally rank second to the collective glory the Real Madrid player is seeking alongside his Croatian teammate.