Modric - Gotta Love Him

[paulspursman]

come on guys dont get too excited yet he aint even taken part in a spurs training session

 

[SpurSince57]

Rather than start a new thread, here's what one of our all-time greats has to say about Modric:

TOTTENHAM Hotspur's £16.5m signing Luka Modric may not have worn the lilywhite shirt just yet but the early signs are promising - according to club legend Cliff Jones.

Despite his short and slight frame, Modric has already helped Croatia cruise into the quarter-final stages of Euro 2008, where they face Turkey in Vienna tomorrow (Friday) night.

And Jones, who won the double with Tottenham in 1962, believes Modric could establish himself as the spiritual successor to another great, Tommy 'the charmer' Harmer.

Harmer, a contemporary of Jones who died last Christmas at the age of 79, was one of Spurs' greatest ever forward players, combining supreme skill with vision and bravery.

"Both are very slight players but it is their skill that matters; good players are good players, and Modric certainly fits into that category," said the former Welsh wing wizard.

"A lot of people have talked about how Modric will cope in the Premier League, but believe me; it was very tough in the 1960s when Tommy played.

"The pitches were heavier and the players didn't get the protection they do now, but Tommy could cope and he was much slighter than Modric."

Furthermore, Modric's early playing career in the tough Bosnian league followed by a silverware-laden period at Dinamo Zagreb, may have been the perfect preparation for a career in England.

"I think he'll come to Tottenham with the right mentality. He has a winning mentality which is absolutely vital, and he isn't used to losing games. I'm sure he'll be a great addition."

Nevertheless, Jones still harbours concerns that while Modric can add creativity to Juande Ramos' side, Spurs are still lacking a midfield enforcer.

"If any player tried to kick Tommy or another of our creative players they would have Dave Mackay to answer to, and I feel Spurs are missing that kind of player at the moment.

"Of course, Dave would walk into any team in this current era - he was as good as Roy Keane was, probably better - but Spurs need a player of his type who can lead the team."

"I'm looking forward to the new season though. These are exciting times for Spurs, and if Mr Ramos can add one or two winners to the squad I think it could be a fantastic year.

http://www.tottenhamjournal.co.uk/c...faultTHFC&itemid=WeED18 Jun 2008 13:34:56:207

 

[worcestersauce]

Tommy Harmer, high praise indeed.:beer: