Modric struggled under former Spurs boss Juande Ramos but Redknapp has played him in a free role behind a lone striker and the 23-year-old has looked at home since the change of management.

After two goals in his last two appearances - in the draw against Spartak Moscow and the defeat at Newcastle - next for Modric is the Boxing Day clash against Fulham.

"He's playing very well and was terrific against Newcastle," Redknapp said. "He's the type of lad you look to build your team around, if you can get him on the ball things can happen.

"It's about getting good people around him with movement to capitalise on what he can do.

"I've spoken to (Croatia boss) Slaven Bilic many times about him. Slaven thinks he's world class and I think he has the ability to be world class."

Modric was in danger of being a high-profile flop under Ramos following his summer move from Dinamo Zagreb worth £16.5million at the time.

He may end up costing more now, given the exchange rate, as Spurs are paying the Croatian club 21million Euros in instalments over four years. Redknapp feels Modric will be worth the money whatever the cost.

"He's only just starting to play in the position he wants, before that he was played wide," Redknapp said. "His position really is behind a striker or behind two strikers if you can play that system with him.

"He is a player who has to be on the move and playing in that position where you can get on the ball. He's not one of those players that you want to stick out wide.

"He's got to be in a position to affect the game and since I've been here we've got him in that position and that is probably why his form has been good."

Modric has played a central role in Spurs' revival under Redknapp, although they are still towards the wrong end of the Barclays Premier League despite their progress.

Redknapp fears other chairman may look at his impact at Spurs and the effect Sam Allardyce has had at Blackburn, leading to more managerial changes.

"I suppose some clubs will look at it and think if we change the manager we'll change the results," Redknapp said. "I love Paul Ince and he was unlucky to lose his job - Sam goes in and gets a 3-0 win straight away. Chairmen might look at that.

"There is still an awful lot of work to be done here to keep us moving forward. We're all looking to work hard and to get us where we want to be."

Redknapp believes the Christmas fixtures could be a crucial time for getting out of trouble.

He added: "They are all important games. We've got Fulham and then West Brom - they are big games.

"We're playing very well - we beat West Ham, played well against Manchester United and Newcastle. We've got to continue to play well but pick up points out of these games."