Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has branded fellow Croatia international Luka Modric "the best player in the world".

Rakitic and Modric are rivals at club level, with the latter turning out for Barcelona's bitter rivals Real Madrid.

However, the pair helped Croatia reach the final of the 2018 World Cup and share a close relationship off the field.

Modric was named UEFA's Player of the Year last week as he helped Madrid win their third straight Champions League title before inspiring Croatia in Russia.

Rakitic has said that Modric "is now La Liga's big gun", and has made the whole of Croatia "very proud".

"Luka is now La Liga's big gun, he is the best player in the world this year and we Croats are very proud of him," he told Novi list. "I wish him that last prize that is left for him to win [the Ballon d'Or] because he absolutely deserves it.

"Those that are jealous of Luka, let them die in their jealousy! I am proud of him and as happy as if I was winning those awards!

"We've been together in national team for 11 years, went through a lot, I love him as my brother. I am happy he decided to stay in national team, I don't know what my decision would have been if he retired."

Both Rakitic and Modric are with the Croatia squad preparing for their UEFA Nations League opener against Portugal on Thursday night.