"An extraordinary professional" - Carlo Ancelotti hails Real Madrid star after breaking historic record

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has hailed Luka Modric after he created history in the 2-1 win over Celta Vigo (October 19). Coming off the bench, the Croatian, who was 39 years and 40 days old on Saturday, became the oldest player to feature for Los Blancos.

In the process, Modric surpassed the legendary Ferenc Puskas, who played for the Spanish champions from 1958 to 1966. The Hungarian forward had held the record for 58 years.

On Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti brought on the Croatian in place of Federico Valverde in the 63rd minute, with the game tied at 1-1. Luka Modric proceeded to set up Vinicius Junior to score the winner three minutes later, highlighting his importance to Real Madrid.

Speaking after the game, as cited by Madrid Universal, Ancelotti was full of praise for the veteran midfielder.

“When he starts, when he comes off the bench… he always helps us. He came on at a difficult moment in the match and changed the game. It’s a pleasure to coach him as a player and as a person,” said Ancelotti.

He continued:

“There is not much to add. He is a fantastic footballer and he still is. An extraordinary professional. A calm man, but with character. Real Madrid have been lucky to have this player.”

Modric has appeared 13 times across competitions this season for the LaLiga giants, five of which have been starts, and has registered three assists.

Can Real Madrid defend their league title this season?

Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid have started the season well, registering seven wins and three draws in 10 games in the league. The LaLiga giants strengthened their squad by roping in Kylian Mbappe and Endrick over the summer.

The French superstar was a long-term target for Los Blancos, and finally made the move this summer following the expiry of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Mbappe has been in decent form so far, registering eight goals and one assist from 12 games across competitions.

Real Madrid are second in the league at the moment, tied on points with bitter rivals Barcelona, who have a game in hand. The Catalans have been in red-hot form this season under Hansi Flick.

The German manager took charge at Camp Nou over the summer and has implemented his tactics very well. Barcelona have won eight of their nine games in the league, scoring 28 goals and conceding just nine. They are the frontrunners in the title race at the moment, and next face Sevilla on Sunday, October 20.