Real Madrid might be overlooking the quiet influence of club veteran amid contract standstill | OneFootball

Luka Modric continues to defy both logic and age. At 39, the Real Madrid legend is not merely surviving, he is thriving.

His most recent masterclass against Sevilla only reaffirmed the belief that Modric is not done yet. In fact, he might still be among the club’s most reliable midfielders.

Despite his age, Modric was once again in the starting eleven and completed the full 90 minutes without breaking a sweat. He did not just participate, he orchestrated.

Modric seemed omnipresent, offering support in defence, organising attacks, and even making it his mission to feed Kylian Mbappe in his chase for the Golden Boot.

If there were any doubts about his physical capacity, the numbers tell a compelling story. He completed 93 out of 102 passes, registering a 91% accuracy, and made 52 passes in the final third, more than even Jude Bellingham, who had 35.

Defensively, he made four recoveries, only behind Aurelien Tchouameni, the team’s specialist in that area.

Ever-present for Real Madrid

Beyond the stats, his resilience is remarkable. In a season where injuries ravaged Madrid’s midfield, Eduardo Camavinga missing 34 games, Dani Ceballos 15, Tchouameni five, Bellingham four, Valverde two, Modric has played 55 games, logging 491 more minutes than last season.

Luka Modric is showing no signs of stopping. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Simply put, the veteran is always available when Real Madrid needs him, and the club’s medical team might as well forget what his name looks like on an injury report.

His form has not just sparked fan admiration, but it is putting pressure on the decision-makers at the club. After a heroic showing in the comeback against Mallorca, his performance against Sevilla only intensified calls for a contract renewal.

Alonso will be key

With his current deal expiring this summer, the debate is reaching a critical point.

Manager-in-waiting Xabi Alonso, himself a midfield icon, will be central to that decision. While it is tempting to look ahead and prioritise younger talents, Modric offers five-star squad depth at worst, and at best, a midfielder who can still start big games with distinction.

Real Madrid are building a new generation with players like Bellingham, Camavinga, and Valverde — but the idea of moving forward without Modric still feels premature.

Not because of sentiment, but because his legs, mind, and magic still match the club’s demands.