‘Amazing’: Sebastien Bassong says he had a teammate at Tottenham who was even better than Gareth Bale

Tottenham Hotspur has been home to some of football’s most iconic players, with many leaving a lasting impact on the club. Since the turn of the century, names like Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Mousa Dembélé, Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen, and Toby Alderweireld have cemented themselves as fan favorites.

Going further back, legends such as Ledley King, Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe, Dimitar Berbatov, and Rafael van der Vaart brought flair and excitement to White Hart Lane.

Among them, Gareth Bale stood out as an electrifying talent who later became one of the most decorated players in football history after moving to Real Madrid. However, according to former Spurs defender Sébastien Bassong, there was one player even more impressive than Bale—Croatian maestro Luka Modrić.

Recalling his time at Tottenham, Bassong spoke highly of Bale’s performance, particularly in a memorable game against Inter Milan.

Playing alongside the Welshman, he witnessed firsthand how Bale dominated the opposition, leaving even legendary forward Samuel Eto’o in awe. He described Bale as a player capable of covering the entire left flank by himself, both as a full-back and a winger, despite being naturally introverted.

However, when asked to name the best player he played with at Spurs, Bassong had no hesitation in choosing Modrić. Dubbed “Mozart” for his ability to orchestrate play, Modrić was revered for his vision, technical ability, and composure under pressure.

Despite his quiet demeanor, his presence commanded respect. When Modrić spoke, everyone listened. His influence extended beyond his passing ability—he dictated games, controlled tempo, and was a natural leader without needing to be vocal.

Bassong shared a compelling anecdote that highlighted Modrić’s confidence and skill. During one match, the Croatian demanded the ball despite being tightly marked by two defenders.

Initially hesitant, Bassong eventually played him the pass, only to watch Modrić effortlessly maneuver past both opponents before setting up a goal for Peter Crouch.

After the play, Modrić simply reminded Bassong of his earlier request, reinforcing his status as the team’s true orchestrator. His ability to read the game, find space, and execute decisive plays made him an invaluable asset.

Modrić’s time at Tottenham remains one of the club’s most successful signings under chairman Daniel Levy. Arriving for £16.5 million, he delivered four stellar seasons before being sold to Real Madrid for nearly double the amount at £30 million.

Under Harry Redknapp, Modrić played a key role in Tottenham’s historic qualification for the Champions League, helping the club reach new heights. His technical brilliance, consistency, and leadership set him apart as one of the finest midfielders to ever wear a Spurs shirt.

Even after leaving North London, Modrić continued to shine on the world’s biggest stage. His career at Real Madrid has been nothing short of extraordinary, amassing a collection of trophies that includes six Champions League titles and four La Liga championships.

Despite now being 39 years old, he remains a vital figure in Madrid’s squad, proving that class and intelligence on the ball can defy age. His club career statistics further highlight his impact across different teams:

Beyond his club success, Modrić’s influence extends to the international stage, where he has captained Croatia to remarkable achievements, including a World Cup final appearance in 2018.

His intelligence, versatility, and ability to control the game’s tempo have made him one of the most respected midfielders of his generation. Tottenham fans can only look back fondly on his time at the club, knowing they witnessed a player whose legacy will be remembered for decades to come.