Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is thrilled with the form of Luka Modric after their 4-0 thrashing of UEFA Cup rivals Dinamo Zagreb.
"Modric is a fantastic footballer that you have to play," said Redknapp.
"People thought he wouldn't be strong but he's stronger than I thought he was. He's not a weakling, he challenges for balls. He is a terrific player."
Dinamo coach Branko Ivankovic felt Modric was the key to the match, despite Bent's hat-trick.
"We couldn't stop Luka, who was their most creative player and organised their attacks," he said.
"I know Luka very well, it's very clear why he came here - he is a player of extra quality and is showing it every day. We warned our players about him and (Aaron) Lennon as the biggest threats."