Wilson Palacios' suspension saw Harry Redknapp turn to Luka to partner Tom Huddlestone centrally and he did so effortlessly, further underlining his manager's 'world-class' description.
It wasn't all a bed of roses for Luka in 2009-10.Having started the season well, he suffered a fractured fibula against Birmingham City in August and didn't return until December. He went on to make 32 appearances in all competitions, starting 21 matches in the Premier League, scoring three goals.
Luka completed his move from Dinamo Zagreb in July 2008 and enjoyed an impressive first season in English football.
Luka arrived in N17 off the back of playing a starring role in his country's run to the quarter-finals of that summer's European Championships.
And although it took him a little while to adapt to the speed and intensity of the Premier League, his maiden campaign ended up as proof of his status as one of the best young midfielders in Europe.
Luka came into his own particularly towards the end of the 2008-09 season, when he took up a role on the left hand side of Harry Redknapp's midfield having previously been utilised in more central roles.
His switch to the flank conincided with a run that took the Club clear of relegation trouble and into the hunt for European places.
Having opened his account in a UEFA Cup tie with Spartak Moscow in December 2008, Luka went on to score five goals in 43 appearances during his first season at the Lane, including a memorable winner over Chelsea at The Lane in March 2009.
Earlier in his career, Luka joined Dinamo in 2002 at the age of 16 before being loaned out to Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar, where he earned the honour of Bosnian Player of the Year in his one season there.
In 2004 he returned to Croatia, again on loan, with Inter Zapresic, whom Luka helped to second place in the league before returning to Dinamo.
Over the next three years he established himself as the team's playmaker and played a big part in the club's three successive league title triumphs and two Croatian Cup wins before deciding to join Spurs.
