Luka Modric praised Petar Sucic, highlighting his potential to lead Croatia’s next generation. Sucic’s move to Inter Milan marks a significant step in his career, with Modric humorously hoping Sucic won’t be too aggressive in the Milan derby. Modric believes Sucic and other young players can surpass his generation’s achievements.
Luka Modric has lauded young Croatian talent Petar Sucic, suggesting he could spearhead a new generation of Croatian players to even greater achievements than his own esteemed cohort. Modric, a linchpin of Croatian football alongside figures like Ivan Rakitic, Marcelo Brozovic, and Ivan Perisic, played a pivotal role in Croatia's impressive runs to the second and third positions at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, respectively. Now, he sees a bright future in the burgeoning talent of Sucic.
Sucic, 21, recently showcased his abilities on the international stage, starting in Croatia's World Cup qualifier victories over the Faroe Islands and Montenegro during the international break. Notably, he had the opportunity to play alongside Modric himself in the match against Montenegro, providing valuable experience and insight from one of the world's best midfielders.
The young midfielder made a significant move to Inter Milan from Dinamo Zagreb during the summer transfer window, marking a major step in his burgeoning career. He quickly made an impact, even registering an assist off the bench at the Club World Cup for the Serie A giants, demonstrating his potential to contribute to Inter's success on multiple fronts.
Modric, visibly impressed by Sucic's talent and work ethic, showered praise on the youngster following their win over Montenegro. However, with a touch of humor, he playfully expressed his hope that Sucic would not play too aggressively against him in the highly anticipated Milan derby. The comment underscores the respect Modric has for Sucic's abilities while also highlighting the competitive nature of their future encounters.
"He’s a very strong player and a great guy," Modric told SportMediaset, acknowledging Sucic's technical skills and character. "We’ve already played together before, and he’s shown his qualities. It’s no coincidence that he’s signed for a top club like Inter. You will certainly get to know him a bit better and see his talent."
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Modric further emphasized Sucic's potential for growth, stating, "He can still improve, I enjoy playing with him and I hope that he always continues to improve, even if we will face each other in the derby soon, we will see how he treats me." He added with a playful tone, "Let’s hope he respects me and doesn’t go too quickly. But for the moment, I’m enjoying playing with him."
The veteran midfielder expressed his admiration for his own generation of Croatian players, acknowledging their remarkable achievements. However, he remains optimistic about the future, believing that young talents like Sucic have the potential to surpass even their accomplishments. "Our generation felt unrepeatable, it achieved incredible results, but there are young players like him who could reach even higher heights," Modric concluded.
Sucic's move to Inter Milan represents a significant step forward in his career, providing him with the opportunity to compete at the highest level of European football. Under the guidance of experienced coaches and alongside world-class teammates, he has the ideal environment to hone his skills and develop into a key player for both Inter and the Croatian national team. The praise from a legend like Modric only adds to the already considerable expectations surrounding the young midfielder.
The Croatian national team has a history of producing talented midfielders, and Sucic appears poised to continue that tradition. His technical ability, vision, and work rate have already caught the eye of many, and his performances in both domestic and international competitions will be closely watched. As he gains more experience and continues to develop, Sucic has the potential to become a household name in the world of football.
For Inter Milan, the acquisition of Sucic represents a shrewd investment in the future. The club has a track record of developing young talent, and Sucic has the potential to become a valuable asset for years to come. His versatility allows him to play in a variety of midfield positions, providing the coach with tactical flexibility. Furthermore, his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a well-rounded player who can impact the game in multiple ways.
The coming years will be crucial in Sucic's development, and his progress will be closely followed by fans and pundits alike. With the right guidance and opportunities, he has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world. The combination of his natural talent, dedication, and the support of experienced mentors like Modric suggests that Sucic is well on his way to achieving great things in his career.