Carlo Ancelotti praises Luka Modric after stunning goal in Real Madrid's La Liga win over Girona - 'A gift to football'

Luka Modric continues to produce at the highest level and scored a stunning goal as Real Madrid beat Girona in La Liga on Sunday. It was a quite stunning strike from outside the box and had his manager Carlo Ancelotti waxing lyrical about the Croatia international. Ancelotti also had words of praise for Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and David Alaba.

Carlo Ancelotti has described Luka Modric as "a gift to football" after the Croatian scored a stunning goal in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Girona.

Real were toiling at home when Modric took it upon himself to take the game by the scruff of the neck, as he fired a swerving effort from 30 yards into the top corner.

Modric is still producing world-class performances at the age of 39, and Ancelotti feels natural talent allied to hard work are the keys to his longevity.

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"Luka Modric is a gift to football and he can continue as long as he wants," Ancelotti said. "What he does, he does very well. 

"Real Madrid have been lucky to have a legend who has defined an era and football has been lucky to have him because of his reliability, quality and professionalism."

Ancelotti coached Paolo Maldini to UEFA Champions League glory at AC Milan, and compared Modric to the legendary Italian defender.

"Maldini won the Champions League at 40 years of age, and you can compare the two in terms of what it takes to be a footballer," Ancelotti said. "They are fantastic examples, and it is no coincidence that they have got to this age and are still playing. 

"It's partly genetics, but above all, it's commitment and attitude. That's the only way to reach the age of 40, as Maldini did and as Modric is going to do."

Vinicius Junior made the game safe, as he converted an assist from Kylian Mbappe, and Ancelotti was happy with how his forwards combined as Real joined Barcelona at the top of La Liga on 54 points.

"I saw him [Vinicius] at his best," Ancelotti said. "He could have been more clinical in front of goal, but in the second half he was unstoppable. He played a game at his level. 

"He rose to the occasion and had chances to score."

Luka Modric of Real Madrid celebrates 1-0 with Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid v Girona at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu

Image credit: Getty Images

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On the contribution of Mbappe, Ancelotti said: "He was really happy. He didn't score, but he gave Vini an assist and was really dangerous in the second half. He cares a lot about the team winning."

David Alaba was handed a first start since his recovery from a serious knee injury, and Ancelotti was happy to see the defender get minutes under his belt – while it also allowed him to rest the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde.

"After a lengthy injury, he had a good game," Ancelotti said. "He was comfortable, well-positioned and calm with and without the ball.

"Little by little, he is reaching his best level and we mustn't forget that he was ready a month ago, but he had the groin injury and couldn't play. 

"He only needs a few more minutes. Playing every three days could be a risk, but he can handle one game a week without any problems. 

"I was able to give Rudiger and Valverde a rest and little by little we have fewer emergencies at the back."

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