2010 is the most scandalous and unfair year in the history of the "Golden Ball". In the Champions League - Inter won, at the World Cup - Spain, but the most prestigious personal trophy was given to Leo Messi from Barcelona (eliminated in the Champions League semi-final) and Argentina (humiliation from the Germans in the quarter-finals of the World Cup).

Without a souvenir left Iniesta, Xavi and Forlan, but most importantly - Wesley Sneijder. The Dutchman constantly kept the supertop level, raised the Cup of Champions over his head and became the vice-champion of the planet, so all the advanced journalists voted for him. Under the traditional scheme (election among reporters) Sneijder would easily take "Golden Ball" from Messi, but that year the prize from France Football was tragically combined with the "Player of the Year" according to FIFA.

In addition to journalists, the triumpher was first determined by the coaches and captains of the teams, and they traditionally do it in such a way that they are quickly retreated from them. "Who is better? Hmm, well, Messi," - say coaches and football players, when annoying press attachees slip them a blank for voting.

Only in 2016 the "Golden Ball" finally returned to the roots - now for the coronation again meet the people who watch a lot of football, follow the trends and long tired of the dominance of Ronaldo and Messi.

Wesley in 2010 was very good

And now - an important, albeit obvious, pattern. Modric-2018 is Sneijder-2010. Luka also has a victory in the Champions League, Croat also went to the final of the World Cup, and he also became the best player of this tournament (by the way, Wesley did not submit to such a prize - Forlan took the statue).

The incredible usefulness of Modric is the main trend of the last three months. Everyone does not care that he does not have cubes on his stomach. Nobody cares that he does not change hairstyle. Luka conquers respects in another way: a hyper-useful game, absolutely universal skills and enchanting stability.

While the "Golden Ball" was tormented by FIFA, the past passed Xavi (2011), Iniesta (2012), Ribery (2013) and Neuer (2014). Modric should not become another link in this chain - at least, the fans, and journalists, and even the footballers do everything to deserved recognition received a modest genius from the tiny city of Zadar.

Luka has already been recognized as the most valuable player in the euro-zone and included in the top three of the world's football players according to FIFA, but the other day a very surprising thing happened: Ivan Rakitic made a frank statement. 

"Messi - the best in the world, but the best in 2018 was Modric. Even Leo understands this," - such revelations from the guys from Barca was not very long ago. 

There it is customary to blindly praise Lionel and not be distracted by other heroes. Especially if they play for Madrid. So this is just another signal: you have to reward of Modric.

Until recently, it seemed that Cristiano quickly beat for Juve a couple of hat-tricks, remove all questions about the "Golden Ball" and finally overtake Messi. But Ronaldo stalled, and Modric still as luxurious plow in the middle of the field - for his position is important overall profit, and not goals. Therefore, it will be beautiful and fair, if the hegemony of the two giants is interrupted not by a monstrous frashman with deadly scoring statistics, but by a modest midfielder who simply plays great football.