Real Madrid’s Luka Modric has tipped Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic to be his successor as Croatia captain.

While Kovacic has amassed 75 caps for his country since he made his debut in 2013, he has had a much lower profile than Modric and, another of his international teammates, Ivan Rakitic. The Blues player has, though, been in excellent form and Modric has been quick to praise his fellow countryman:

“I think Mateo Kovacic could be my heir, at least he is the player with the most talent He has played in important clubs such as Inter and Real Madrid. He is at Chelsea now and is doing really well. He is one of the possible successors. Surely he can lead Croatia in the future.”

Kovacic is, arguably, having his best season in a Chelsea shirt. The 27-year-old has scored two goals and provided five assists in 26 appearances, but it is his all-round game that has won him many admirers.

The Croatian’s energy in the middle of the park has been key to Thomas Tuchel side’s success. Playing as part of a midfield two requires stamina and the ability to cover a lot of ground, both on and off the ball.

Kovacic has risen to the challenge ably and, if he does replace Modric as Croatia’s captain in the future, he will be more than deserving of the honour.