Life’s A Pitch: Modric no longer welcome at Spurs

Luka Modric is a player who has divided many Spurs fans over the past 12 months. Idolised by many for his skill and panache, the Croatian midfielder unsuccessfully tried to force through a move from White Hart Lane last summer.

Unfortunately for him, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy put the kibosh on those plans and forced Modric to fulfil his contractual obligations and stay at the club. But having expressed a desire to leave, and to Chelsea as well, he was never the same player in many Spurs fans’ eyes after that.

One year on and the realisation is that Modric will now get his move. The hope of most Spurs fans now is that, not only do they get a bucketload of cash for him, but that he also moves to a European team, rather than come up against them in the Premier League.

But for any fans still hoping he stays, Iain Macintosh has some words of warning. While also a huge fan of the Croat’s ability, he believes selling a highly valuable asset such as Modric, who clearly wants out, will be the difference between Spurs progressing or not under new head coach Villas-Boas.

Not convinced? Well, read his article. And while you’re at it, have a look at the continuing debate on our Premier League select XI where this week we’re choosing our central midfielders, of which Modric is among the contenders.

Other Spurs content on the site sees Mike Calvin explain how Villas-Boas is the focal point of Tottenham’s quiet revolution. But for him to succeed, the Life’s a Pitch team explains that he needs to prove he has learned lessons from his abject failure at Chelsea.

Talking of Chelsea, Jim Campbell reckons Roman Abramovich is trying to turn the Blues into Barcelona. Find out why.

Elsewhere, we look at all the juiciest transfer rumours and have a new competition on the site to win a signed photo of Wayne Rooney’s overhead kick against Man City.

Expert pundit videos

“Villas-Boas has to show he learnt from Chelsea experience”

While the Life’s a Pitch team agrees it’s essential Villas-Boas learnt from his Chelsea nightmare, they’re divided on whether he’ll be a success at Spurs.
Learnt from his mistakes? >

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Centre of the action >

Podolski, Kagawa and Foster: Hit or miss?

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Moutinho to Man Utd, Spurs target Dzagoev, Carroll to Milan?

The Life’s A Pitch team take a close look at rumours linking Man Utd, Spurs and AC Milan with Moutinho, Dzagoev and Carroll.
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Lively opinion blogs

Progress at Tottenham hinges on selling Modric

Despite his unhealthy admiration of Luka Modric, Iain Macintosh believes Tottenham must sell him to Real Madrid if they’re to improve as a team.
Time to go >

Villas-Boas the focal point of Spurs’ quiet revolution

With Villas-Boas on board, plus a steady flow of young, dynamic players, Mike Calvin believes Tottenham look in good shape.
The key ingredient >

Rodgers walks alone in quest to rebuild Liverpool

The talented Brendan Rodgers must make the most of his final say at Anfield if he is to return Liverpool to former glories, writes Mike Calvin.
One voice >

Is Abramovich trying to turn Chelsea into Barcelona?

Jim Campbell explains why he believes Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is trying to build a team that can win trophies by going down the tiki-taka route.
Tiki-taka at the Bridge? >

Competition

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