Real Madrid manager Lopetegui backs Modric to win individual prizes
What's the story
After Cristiano Ronaldo bid adieu to the Spanish club and chose Turin as his new home, Real Madrid have been pushing Luka Modric as their candidate for the top individual awards in football.
Modric has already clinched the Golden Ball at the World Cup and UEFA Player of the Year award.
Now Lopetegui has also voiced his preference for Modric to win the rest.
Comments
Lopetegui's comments regarding individual honors
The Real Madrid manager has claimed that he does not have much interest in individual honors in football.
He, however, added that though football is a team game, he would like players from his club to win the top individual honors.
Modric is in the race along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah for the FIFA Best award.
Ronaldo
Ronaldo was reportedly angry with award snub
Cristiano Ronaldo was, reportedly, furious after he lost the UEFA Player of the Year to Luka Modric, his former Real Madrid team-mate.
Even Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes said it was a shameful decision as Ronaldo's 15 goals in 15 matches helped Real win the Champions League, last term.
Modric, however, later clarified that Ronaldo had congratulated him personally on his win.
Performance
How did the two champions perform last season?
Ronaldo scored 15 goals in 15 matches to help Real win the Champions League, and also had three assists under his belt.
CR7 also netted in 26 goals in 27 La Liga appearances.
Modric took Croatia to the World Cup final in Russia with valiant performances in every match.
He was also Madrid's most influential mid-fielder in their Champions League victory.