LUKA MODRIC reckons Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic has what it takes to replace him as Croatia’s talisman.
The 36-year-old is into the final year of his contract at Real Madrid but is expected to sign an extension to stay at the Bernabeu.
And while he is showing little sign of retiring from international football, the veteran tipped fellow midfielder Kovacic to be his heir in a Croatia shirt.
He told Marca: “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.”
Modric and Kovacic were Real team-mates until the latter headed to Stamford Bridge on loan in 2018 before making the move permanent a year later.
The pair spearheaded their country’s charge at the 2018 World Cup, where they were beaten by France in the final.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
And they will almost certainly line up alongside each other once again at the Qatar World Cup later this year after cruising through qualification.
2018 Ballon d’Or-winner Modric is currently sitting pretty with his Real team-mates at the top of LaLiga.
Kovacic meanwhile faces a battle for Champions League football next season as his Chelsea side cling onto third spot.
They face Saudi side Al Hilal TONIGHT in the semi-final of the Club World Cup at Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.
Read our Transfer News Live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
