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#4 Luka Modric (Real Madrid / Croatia)
To really understand how important Luka Modric is to Real Madrid, watch games when he has been absent from the starting lineup. Real struggle to move the ball forward and his presence in midfield is the final piece in the jigsaw that has made this European-trophy-winning machine run so smoothly.
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Teams have won three European trophies in a row before but it is unprecedented in the Champions League era. And Modric's skills on the ball, his passing range, and general ability to find space in crowded areas is what made Real so dangerous on the ball.
It was the same with Croatia as well. Playing in an advanced role for his country, Modric was the orchestrator-in-chief for the side that made history by qualifying for the final for the first time ever.
It was his goal that put a nail in Argentina's coffin while his all-round displays (including crucial goals in two penalty shootouts) saw him win the World Cup Golden Ball award, even though he would have liked to go home with the World Cup trophy instead.
