Croatia midfielder Luka Modric isn’t as good as Spain stars Xavi and Andres Iniesta but thinks he has the potential to rival them, he said Sunday.
Tottenham Hotspur player Modric has been linked with a move to Chelsea or Manchester United after Euro 2012, where he has helped to bring Croatia to the verge of quarterfinal qualification.
“It is very nice to hear those comparisons, but I still need to work hard to get to that level,” Modric said on the UEFA website when asked how he compared to the Barcelona duo.
Modric is not fazed by the weight of expectation from the famously demanding Croatian fans, he said.
“A lot is expected of me every time I play for the national team,” he said, adding:“That pressure and that responsibility doesn't hinder me.”
Croatia play Spain on Monday, with both teams knowing that a win would assure them of a quarterfinal place as group winners.
A draw of 2-2 or greater would qualify both teams at Italy’s expense.
