Modric the best in the world in his position, says Bilic

The Besiktas boss has voiced his anger with Fifa and France Football's decision to snub the gifted midfielder for the Ballon d'Or

Former Croatia boss Slaven Bilic believes Real Madrid's Luka Modric is arguably the best midfielder in the world and deserved a Fifa Ballon d'Or nomination following his fine performances in 2014.

The 29-year-old has been one of Madrid's best performers this calendar year as they won the Copa del Rey and Champions League, yet was somewhat surprisingly omitted from the 23-man shortlist for the prestigious individual award.

"La Liga is the league where midfielders run the game and he was voted best midfielder," Bilic told Sportske Novosti.

"He definitely deserved to make the 23-man shortlist. His lack of PR is the only reason that he missed out. He is humble and modest.

"But he will never win the Ballon d'Or because players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are predestined to win it.

"Luka deserved to be nominated, though. Maybe he didn't have a good World Cup, but he won the Champions League.

"I'm not saying he is Madrid's best player, but he is their second-most important player behind Ronaldo. In his position, Modric is the best in the world."

Modric has made 14 appearances in all competitions for Madrid so far this term, scoring once in the process.