Sergio Ramos watches Luka Modric turn back the clock in Milan derby masterclass

Luka Modric could not hide his admiration. “It was fantastic to see Sergio Ramos in the stadium. When the captain comes here, you have to win,” the Croatian midfielder said after the Milan derby between AC Milan and Inter.

Modric was thinking back to the years he shared with Ramos at Real Madrid. Even now, the Ballon d’Or winner still speaks with the humble admiration of a champion for the former teammate who once wore the captain’s armband in Madrid.

Modric’s “monstrous” derby display at San Siro

But it may actually have been Ramos, along with fellow guest of honor Alexandre Pato, who left the stadium more impressed. They had just witnessed another commanding performance from Modric.

After the game, La Gazzetta dello Sport gave him a 7.5 rating and used perhaps the only word that truly fits another night like this: monstrous.

One secret is surely Modric’s enduring love for the game. Just as important, though, seems to be the way the ball responds to him, almost as if it understands the delicate touch of the Croatian midfielder.

The match at San Siro started with Modric immediately pouncing on a mistake by Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer. The miscue unintentionally set up Christian Pulisic, and the former Real Madrid star quickly gathered the ball before firing a shot toward goal.

What sets Modric apart

It was a moment that captured Modric’s greatest gift: anticipation.

Pervis Estupiñán scored the decisive goal in the 35th minute, but Milan’s performance was built on the team’s usual precision and ability to read the game before it unfolds.

No one embodies that trait better than Modric.

What still amazes teammates and opponents alike is his ability to predict what will happen on the field moments before it actually does. That instinct allows him to orchestrate the movements of those around him and reach the ball before his rivals even realize what is coming.

And even at this stage of his career, he never seems to run out of energy. Modric pushes until the final whistle.

Now Milan fans are hoping the magic continues beyond this season. For now, Modric is not talking about the future. The only thing that matters, he says, is what happens on the field.

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