Luka Modric is the only Real Madrid player on the pitch in Croatia vs Spain, but he could be man to ruin Euro 2020 dream, as midfielder has a weapon that makes him ‘like Zinedine Zidane’

It would be rather poetic if Spain’s Euro 2020 dreams were ended by a Real Madrid player.

For the first time ever, no Los Blancos players were in the Spain squad at a major tournament with Sergio Ramos left out by manager Luis Enrique for the tournament.

But Enrique’s worst fears could be realised if Croatia get the better of Spain on Monday, LIVE on talkSPORT.

If Croatia emerge victorious in Copenhagen then star midfielder Luka Modric, who plays his club football for Real, will be key in that.

His stunning strike against Scotland was the difference between Croatia pipping the Czech Republic to second in Group D, while he became both the youngest and oldest player to score for his country at the Euros.

The goal, brilliantly taken from the edge of the box with the outside of his boot, had a former Tottenham teammate of Modric’s likening the player to Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane.

“For a normal footballer, that’s the most difficult finish – to get that power and that control from the outside of your foot,” Andros Townsend told talkSPORT.

“But Modric – the only other player I’ve seen like this is Zinedine Zidane – he’s better with the outside of his foot. He gets more control.

“When I saw that on the TV, I was not surprised one bit.”

Modric has served Croatia impeccably in his 15 years as an international for them, most notably helping them to the World Cup final in 2018 – a year where he beat Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Ballon d’Or award.

His club career has been even better though. Having really established himself at Tottenham, Modric got a big move to Real Madrid in 2012, where he’s enjoyed all manner of success. He’s won the Champions League titles four times, has two LaLiga titles and a Copa del Rey winners’ medal.

He turns 36 later this year, yet he’s still playing at the top. So, what’s the secret behind his success?

“He’s just got natural ability and God-given talent,” Townsend added. “The biggest thing I’d say about him is that he knows how to use his body.

“I’m not going full Yaya Toure and talking about his bum. When he first came to Spurs, he was skinny, small, people didn’t think he’d be able to get up to speed and the physical demands of the Premier League.

“What I would say is that he uses his body well. When he’s dribbling, he doesn’t go shoulder to shoulder with the defender, he runs across them so he can win fouls.

“In his mind, he’s very smart. When he first came in, I used to just sit there and watch him. I was in awe. Some of the things he would do!

“For him, it was just standard. Outside of the foot, round the corner. But for me, I thought this guy was special.”

Spain will be fully aware of the damage Modric can do but whether they can stop it is quite another thing.

Listen to full commentary of Croatia vs Spain LIVE on talkSPORT, kick-off 5pm.