World Cup 2018: 5 candidates for the Golden Ball Award

#1 Luka Modric (Croatia)

Modric has been the undisputed star of the World Cup

Captain, creative genius, leader and an all-round good guy, few players have been at the level that Croatia's captain has been playing at in the World Cup.

Modric's reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world was already well established before the Mundial began. However, even the pundits and fans who had huge expectations for this amazing Croatian team have been dazzled by the Real Madrid's man brilliance.

Playing in an unfamiliar number 10 role in certain games and as a partner to fellow creative genius Ivan Rakitic in midfield, Modric's guile, comfort in possession, hard work and brilliance has seen Zlatko Dalic's men clearly dominate in all the games they have played.

He was very good in the opening game against Nigeria where he scored a penalty. However, he was phenomenal in the game against Argentina where he outshone his fellow LM10: Lionel Messi and played a blinder. It was a performance that was capped off with a majestic second goal against the hapless Albiceleste.

Though he lost a late extra-time penalty in the 2nd round tie against Denmark, it was his defence-splitting pass that had led to the penalty in the first place. He scored his penalty in the shootout win and repeated the same in the shootout against the Russians in the quarterfinal.

Having won his third UEFA Champions League title in a row for Real Madrid in May, Modric's sights are firmly fixed on getting what would be a scarcely believable first World Cup title for his nation.