http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23824889-luka-modric-is-ready-to-take-centre-stage-after-another-class-act.do

Luka Modric is ready to take centre stage after another class act for Spurs

Tom Collomosse
15.04.10

The best performers in the entertainment world are those who thrive in the lead role and Luka Modric proved against Arsenal he is now ready to take centre stage for Tottenham.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp recognised Modric's class as soon as he took control in October 2008 but he never appeared certain of which position would allow the Croatian to express himself fully.

In nearly two seasons for Spurs, Modric's most frequent role has been on the left of midfield but he has also played on the right, in the middle and just behind a lone forward.

The 24-year-old has been deployed on the flank chiefly because he lacks the power and physical presence of Wilson Palacios and Tom Huddlestone but with Palacios absent through suspension last night, Modric produced a display that was notable as much for steel as it was for silk.

Modric's touch and awareness were a delight against Arsene Wenger's side but these are attributes that form part of his DNA. That he should also shine when tackling and hustling opponents proves Modric can be just as effective an artisan as he is an artist.

He was everywhere last night, in one minute slipping a short pass to Gareth Bale that sent the Welshman scampering on yet another charge down the left. In another, he was sliding into a perfectly-timed tackle on Abou Diaby of which the world's best midfielders would have been proud.

The pleasant problem Redknapp now faces is how to accommodate Modric in the area of the pitch where he can exert the most influence.

Even though Spurs managed to prevail without him — their first north London derby victory in the Premier League since November 1999 — Palacios remains crucial to Redknapp's strategy while Huddlestone has found a level of consistency this season which also makes him a key man.

Modric will, then, find it difficult to displace either of those players. Yet for some time, Redknapp has been trying to settle on an alternative to the 4-4-2 formation and a midfield trio of Huddlestone, Palacios and Modric could prove the answer to that puzzle.

Eidur Gudjohnsen is another possible choice for such a system. The Icelander replaced Jermain Defoe midway through the second half and it is clear that he and Modric have quickly developed an affinity on the pitch.

They share a remarkable aptitude for retaining possession when there is little room for manoeuvre and it was fascinating to see one look immediately for the other upon receiving the ball. Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was in the crowd to see his fourth-placed side's advantage over Spurs shorten to a single point in the race for a place in next season's Champions League and the Italian must have been struck by the unity demonstrated by City's closest challengers, as apparent off the pitch as it was on it.

The players not involved in Spurs' home games usually duck out of White Hart Lane well before the final whistle, the prospect of dodging the post-match traffic on Seven Sisters Road enough to send them scurrying for their 4x4s at about the 75-minute mark. Last night, there were no thoughts of taking an early dart, as the injured Vedran Corluka, Niko Kranjcar, Aaron Lennon and Carlo Cudicini, along with Palacios, encouraged their team-mates until the final whistle.

The evening had a wonderful beginning for Spurs as Danny Rose, making his Premier League debut, volleyed them in front from 30 yards in the 10th minute. Arsenal failed to unlock the door before half-time and were punished when Bale scored his first goal since September 2007 two minutes after the break.

Robin van Persie's arrival as a substitute revived the visitors but the Dutchman was frustrated by the incredible shot-stopping ability of Heurelho Gomes, who made three superb saves to deny him, and Nicklas Bendtner's 84th-minute tap-in would not alter the outcome.

As severe as the Gunners' injury problems are, this was a match they should have won. They had five more days' rest before this game than a Spurs side demoralised by their extra-time defeat by Portsmouth in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final, yet they could not take advantage of the home side's fatigue.

“We're still in there for fourth, but it's going to be hard,” said Redknapp.

“Chelsea are next on Saturday and it's going to be tough but we can give them a game. We're bang in there and we have a lot to look forward to for the rest of the season.”