‘Surprised me’ – Andros Townsend reveals ‘genius’ thing Luka Modric used to do in training at Spurs

Andros Townsend may be lighting up the commentary at Euro 2024 right now, but he’s also shared the pitch with some Tottenham Hotspur greats over the years. Reflecting on his time with Luka Modric, the former Spurs man revealed how the little Croatian shocked him with one particular attribute.

Modric and Townsend played together at Tottenham

Both Modric and Townsend are still playing football to this day, though to a slightly different level, of course.

While Modric is winning major honours with Real Madrid, Townsend was fighting for survival with Luton Town in the Premier League last season, albeit admirably.

The latter is now a co-commentator at Euro 2024, and has impressed many with his insight and enthusiasm while watching the games.

Luka Modric has always been a genius

The pair spent time together at Tottenham, and Townsend has recalled how, as a Spurs academy graduate, seeing Modric come into the club and show what he could do was pretty special.

Speaking on ITV‘s coverage of the Croatia and Albania game this week, Townsend said (via TBRFootball): “What really surprised me is how good he is at using his body. When he first came to England people said he’s too small to play central midfield.

“Watching him in training, he always made sure his first touch gets across his defender so if they do make contact with him it’s a foul. He never allows himself to go shoulder-to-shoulder with a much stronger opponent. For me, I’d never seen that before it was genius.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Some of the greatest players of all time have been rather diminutive in stature, but it’s all about how they use what they’ve got to their advantage.

Modric knows he will never win a physical battle, but he’s got the awareness, foresight, and deft of touch to ensure he succeeds whenever he gets the ball at his feet.