"La Gazzetta dello Sport recall a moment in the second half when Pavlovic engaged in a brutal duel with Kean near the corner flag, pushing him and shoving him. A few minutes later, Modric chased Fazzini, getting in front of him, then stealing the ball away from him almost without touching him. When the danger passed, Pavlovic applauded him. Two different ways of defending: strength versus timing."
"The Rossoneri fans revel in watching him play football, but they're also getting to know him in his providential role as a breakwater, someone who rises when danger threatens and inspires serenity in those around him. When teammates fall one after another like in a horror movie, you need someone to be a guide. Modric catches the eye with his outside-of-the-boot passes, his switches of play, the vertical balls and the ability to see trajectories and runs that others miss."
"The one on Fazzini is just one example in a sea of recoveries. The most important? In the 28th minute, the game was woefully at a standstill, with not a single shot on target. Nicolussi Caviglia's shot, with a sure shot, would have certainly found the target. It could have done a lot of damage. It didn't happen because Modric timed his slide perfectly, blocking the shot. This time, it was Maignan who applauded enthusiastically."
Luka Modrić produced an all-action performance in Milan's win over Fiorentina, making crucial recoveries and timely interventions. He chased Fazzini to regain possession and timed a slide in the 28th minute to block Nicolussi Caviglia's shot. At 172cm and 66kg, he relies on timing, positioning and decision-making rather than brute strength. He also excels with outside-of-the-boot passes, switches of play, vertical balls and the vision to see trajectories and runs others miss. His presence calms teammates and acts as a defensive breakwater when danger threatens.
Read at SempreMilan
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