Former Croatia coach Slaven Bilic says Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric goes to the World Cup remaining the best in the world.

Bilic is now manager of Watford in the English Championship.

He said, “He was the best five years ago, two years ago and now he's still the best. He's not one of the best right now: he's the best. Nobody plays in midfield like Luka Modric. None of the English players play like Luka Modric, by no means.

"He is one of the best midfielders in history. He falls into that category alongside the likes of (Zinedine) Zidane.

"He is still as hungry and as enthusiastic as he was when he was 17 or 18 years old."