Milan’s 1-0 win over Bologna was about extra than simply three factors — it was concerning the starting of a possible partnership that would form the Rossoneri’s season. One man discovered the web to seal the win, however his arrival might have a a lot deeper impression on one in every of Milan’s brightest stars, Christian Pulisic.
San Siro was electrical on Sunday night time, and Milan delivered a slender however essential victory. The Rossoneri dominated the primary half, hitting the woodwork twice by Pervis Estupinan and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. However it took a second of brilliance from Luka Modric, the legendary Croatian midfielder, to separate the 2 sides.
On the hour mark, Modric timed his run completely, latching onto an Alexis Saelemaekers move and ending previous the Bologna goalkeeper with trademark precision. It was Modric’s first-ever Serie A purpose — and an indication that, even at 40 years previous, he nonetheless has the magic contact. Consequently, one other story started unfolding — one that would have long-term implications for the Rossoneri. The summer season arrival of Luka Modric not solely introduced one of the vital embellished midfielders in soccer historical past to Italy but additionally created a singular connection contained in the crew’s dressing room.
Christian Pulisic, the membership’s American star, has deep Croatian roots. His grandparents had been born on the island of Olib close to Zadar, and Pulisic holds a Croatian passport — an element that allowed him to hitch Borussia Dortmund’s academy earlier than turning 18, as he didn’t want a piece allow.
When Modric moved to the San Siro, the 2 shortly bonded. A video posted on the membership’s social media confirmed the veteran asking Pulisic in jest if he spoke Croatian. The USMNT captain laughed and replied: “Solely the passport is Croatian.” This light-hearted alternate stands out as the begin of one thing significant for the 26-year-old.
How Modric may also help Pulisic
Former Barcelona and Croatia star Ivan Rakitic believes Pulisic couldn’t ask for a greater mentor. Talking on CBS Sports activities’ Name It What You Need podcast, Rakitic provided recommendation: “I believe, initially, Pulisic has to be taught a bit extra Croatian. First step. After which I believe there are some gamers, throughout their profession, as is presumably [the case with] Luka, they’re totally different. However why are they totally different? As a result of they can get the management of a crew or of some guys, to present them one thing particular the place they actually can enhance their sport.”
He went additional, stressing that Pulisic ought to watch Modric carefully each on and off the pitch: “He has to attempt to be taught from Luka, however not solely on the pitch and throughout the coaching classes. When they’re on the best way, how he actually is coping with PR, all these components are essential. This was possibly one thing related after I was with Xavi in Barca… you possibly can be taught many issues — what it truly is to be a participant on the very best degree.”
