Real Madrid star Luka Modric is “one of the best midfielders ever”, according to former AC Milan and Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko.

The 40-year-old, who is now manager of the Ukraine national side, knows a thing or two about what it takes to be the best in the business, having scooped the Ballon d’Or back in 2004.

Ahead of a 2018 World Cup qualifier between Ukraine and Croatia, Shevchenko told Goal on the challenge facing his side: “I wish for everything to go very well for us.

“I mean, Croatia have a great team, with such great, talented players.

“[Having] one of the best midfielders ever like Luka Modrić, and playing up front: [Mario] Mandžukić, [Nikola] Kalinić, [Mateo] Kovačic…it’s a strong team.

“We have to be very well prepared, and we play on chances, I think Ukraine have a good chance. We are very strong at home.”