Real Madrid star Luka Modric has reached his peak and is the finest midfielder in the world, according to compatriot Darijo Srna.
Modric has won two Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups and the Copa del Rey among a host of honours since moving to the Spanish capital in 2012.
"Modric is beyond just a friend, he's the best midfielder in the world right now," he told Marca. "I have no doubts; I'm not saying that he is one of the best, I affirm that he is the best.
"Luka has grown over the years, I think he is now at his peak. Since he arrived he has been improving with the team. Real Madrid are having a great run of results, but without Luka they would have problems."
"I'm sure he will do well because he's an incredible talent," he said. "I adore him. Although he has grown a lot as a player, he has not yet realised his potential... but he will eventually.
"He is the future of Madrid. He needs time because in just three years he has gone from Dinamo Zagreb to play at Inter and Real Madrid."
Ivan Rakitic's form has been the subject of criticism at Barcelona this season and his future was cast into doubt when he was dropped from the team by Luis Enrique at the end of last year.
"Rakitic has demonstrated his quality many times and scored a goal in the Champions League final!" he said. "I am sure he will work hard to get back to [his] best level. I trust Rakitic very much."
"I do not talk about those rumours, Shakhtar is my club, my love, my life," the 34-year-old said.
