Reinvented Regista role and dirty work: How Luka Modric has tactically transformed AC Milan

AC Milan's signing of 39-year-old Luka Modric has proven transformative, with the player making an immediate impact despite his age. He has elevated team performance and fostered a positive dressing room culture under manager Massimiliano Allegri, who positioned him as the central deep-lying playmaker in a three-man midfield.

Modric excels in dictating game tempo and leads Serie A in various passing metrics. His influence extends beyond statistics, as analyzed by Rohit Rajeev, with Demetrio Albertini noting Modric's successful reinvention in a deeper role, reminiscent of Andrea Pirlo. This involves strategic positioning to receive passes and evade opposition pressure.

In gameplay, Modric adjusts his positioning to support teammates under pressure, such as helping Tomori avoid pressing traps by offering a backward pass option and switching play. He positions himself between defenders to create passing lanes and engages opponents to free up teammates, as seen when Gabbia receives the ball unmarked.

Additionally, Modric drops into defense to allow defenders like Pavlovic to advance, showcasing his versatility and tactical intelligence in both offensive and defensive phases.