Spurs recovered from a disastrous opening few months to finish the last campaign strongly under Harry Redknapp, reaching the Carling Cup final at Wembley and eventually securing eighth place.

Defender Corluka feels Modric, 24, can play a central role in driving Spurs on.

"It was difficult at the start because it was his first time playing in England and nobody in the team was playing well at that point," Corluka told the club's official website.

"When the team started to play well he showed why he is one of the best young midfielders in the world.

"Hopefully he will be even better next season because he knows how other teams play against us and the surroundings, so it will be a lot easier."

Corluka added: "It is hard for a foreign player at first because everything is so much faster than in other leagues, as well as the physical strength.

"But after half a season, you are used to these things. If you have the same ability of the other players, then eventually you should be able to compete."

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