In the fluid world of professional football, where new stars rise and fall with bewildering speed, the enduring influence of seasoned veterans often goes unsung. Yet, as former Barcelona maestro Ivan Rakitic recently illuminated, it is precisely this veteran presence that can transform potential into greatness. His observations, particularly concerning the burgeoning `Croatian connection` at AC Milan, offer a fascinating glimpse into the quiet mechanics of mentorship that shape careers, team dynamics, and even national aspirations.
The Unspoken Language of Mentorship: Modric and Pulisic
The arrival of Luka Modric at AC Milan as a free agent this summer sparked interest, not just for his legendary midfield prowess, but for an intriguing cultural footnote. Modric, an icon of Croatian football, found himself sharing a locker room with U.S. International Christian Pulisic, a player whose Croatian roots run deeper than many realize. While Pulisic`s grandparents hail from the island of Olib and his Croatian passport was a crucial enabler for his early career in Europe, his linguistic proficiency in Croatian, as he humorously admitted to Modric, is somewhat limited to the document itself.
This linguistic gap, however, does little to diminish the profound potential for connection. Ivan Rakitic, reflecting on this unique pairing, articulated a philosophy of mentorship that transcends spoken words. «Some players,» Rakitic noted, «are different. They are able to get control a team or of some guys, to give them something special where they really can improve their game.» He sees Modric as precisely such a figure – a quiet leader whose influence permeates beyond tactical instructions. For Pulisic, the opportunity to share the pitch with Modric is not merely about receiving passes; it`s an immersion in a masterclass of professional excellence.
Learning Beyond the Touchline: A Blueprint for Growth
Rakitic`s insights delve deeper than on-field performance. He emphasizes that true mentorship extends into the fabric of a player`s daily life. «When they are on the way, how he really is dealing with PR, all these parts are important,» Rakitic explained. This holistic approach to development resonates with his own experiences. He recalled his time alongside Xavi at Barcelona, a period he used to meticulously observe and absorb every facet of the veteran`s professional conduct. It’s a subtle art of osmosis, where the apprentice learns not just from what the master *does*, but from how he *is*.
This perspective transforms a simple teammate relationship into a pivotal chapter in a young player`s career. It suggests that the true value of a Modric to a Pulisic is not just in winning games today, but in forging the player Pulisic will become in ten or fifteen years. It`s about instilling the nuanced understanding of what it genuinely means to compete and sustain at the highest level—a curriculum rarely found in coaching manuals.
Echoes of Greatness: Rakitic`s Personal Pantheon
Rakitic’s reflections on Modric’s influence are underpinned by his own profound appreciation for football`s titans. His list of favorite former teammates serves as a testament to the diverse forms of greatness: the unparalleled genius of Leo Messi, the sheer joy and dazzling skill of Neymar (whose departure from Barcelona, Rakitic mused with a touch of melancholy irony, was perhaps «the worst decision a player could do»), and, of course, Luka Modric, whom he affectionately describes as «my older brother in football.»
A particularly poignant inclusion is Jose Antonio Reyes, a player Rakitic remembers as perhaps the «most talented guy» he ever played with, whose tragic passing left an indelible mark. These reflections highlight that the fabric of football is woven not just with goals and victories, but with shared experiences, profound respect, and the lasting impact players have on one another, both on and off the pitch.
The Road to 2026: Wisdom for the USMNT
Rakitic`s wisdom isn`t confined to individual player development. He extended his perspective to the collective aspirations of the U.S. Men`s National Team, looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup on home soil. His advice for the squad, led by Mauricio Pochettino, was refreshingly simple: «No pressure.» In a sport often defined by its relentless demands, Rakitic advocated for time, freedom, and the pure enjoyment of the game.
«Everybody expects a lot,» Rakitic acknowledged, «but they have to feel free… now just to give them time to prepare well. I think the atmosphere will be crazy. Hopefully it will be the best World Cup in history. Probably it will be.»
This sentiment, delivered with the calm assurance of a player who has navigated countless high-stakes scenarios, underscores a fundamental truth: while talent is paramount, it flourishes best in an environment where players are encouraged to express themselves without the suffocating weight of expectation. It`s a reminder that even amidst the grandest stages, the simple joy of football remains the most potent catalyst for success.
The Enduring Legacy
From the subtle mentoring happening within AC Milan`s ranks to the broader vision for a national team, Rakitic`s insights paint a vivid picture of football`s interconnected ecosystem. It`s a world where a Croatian passport can open doors, a shared heritage can foster bonds, and the quiet wisdom of an older brother figure like Luka Modric can illuminate the path for a rising star like Christian Pulisic. As time marches on, the lessons learned, the examples set, and the values instilled by these elder statesmen will undoubtedly continue to shape the beautiful game, one generation at a time.
Lennox Bray