Harry Redknapp has told The 32 that it was his decision to turn Luka Modric into a central midfield super star.

The former Tottenham manager, a special guest on Yahoo Sport’s daily World Cup show, explained how the Croatian was transformed from a winger into a world-beater thanks to a spur-of-the-moment decision.

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In 2009 he took ‘a gamble’ – and now the Real Madrid man will take to the field in Sunday’s World Cup final with France as the man to watch.

“Modric was fantastic for me at Tottenham,” Redknapp said on the Yahoo sofa. “He was never a minute’s problem and a real family man.

“He is just so professional. Fantastic in training, and as good as they come on and off the pitch. A brilliant bloke.

“When he came he was a left-sided player cutting in. We had a big game coming up against Arsenal and I made a decision to play him in the middle.

“People were saying he didn’t have the strength but I played him central anyway. They were saying he would be murdered against Arsenal – but he’s never played back on the left since!

“He is the player we need to produce in this country,” added Redknapp.

“If we do, then it will take our football forward. He’s a wonderful footballer, we’re crying out for a player like him.”