Live updates between Real Madrid and Barcelona: La Liga game El Clasico confirmed team news and current predictions

Luka Modric was on the ball, scanning and planning, flowing through the midfield. This fluid power, like flowing water. Only 21 years old, Modric already provided convincing evidence in the middle of the Euro 2008 qualifier between Croatia and Russia that he would be here two decades later.

It was June 2007, in the smoky, atmospheric Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb. For some of us it was the first time we saw Modric in the flesh. And he stood out; because he stands out. These 90 minutes from Modric already told us that he would see new horizons. And of course he has and he does.

More than 17 years after that day and 21 years after his first loan spell in Mostar from Dinamo Zagreb, Modric is the oldest player to ever kick a ball since Real Madrid was founded as Madrid Football Club in 1902. This is a serious achievement.

If he comes on as a substitute against Barcelona today, Modric could well face Lamine Yamal. Yamal was born in Zagreb a month after this qualifier. The span of eras, the longevity, is part of Modric's appeal.

It is also the standard that he continues to work towards. At 39, he isn't in a lower league because of his salary or his ego. Modric is still playing at the highest level. It is his 13th season at the Bernabeu.