Ivan Rakitić

[FC B]

He is starting to settle in the barca midifeld. Should be a starter, no more benching him for big games. His confidence is high right now and benching him will seriously affect it.

Yep. In big games Rakitic deserves to play over xavi.

 

[BerkeleyBernie]

Rakitic is doing well in certain conditions- basically with bunkered defences and Messi playing right wing.

1. Working with Messi and Alves to provide overload on the right.
2. Has some space facing goal a lot of the time, doesn't have to make as many quick decisions.

Of course, his speed defensively is much better than Xavi. And Xavi is superfluous in games where the opponent retreats quickly into double banks and there is no need for midfield control. Rakitic is a better choice under these conditions, and it may well be the majority of games that opponents play a bunker/counter tactic.

He needs to improve his scanning skills. He doesn't know what's outside his field of view*, so when receiving a pass with his back to goal, he needs some space and time to release. This is why he appeared a bit lost in other games, where there was more pressure on the midfield. If he can learn to be a bit more Xavi/Modric in his awareness, he'd be even more valuable.

*He does see counter options well during transitions and releases the pass early. I'm referring to his play with Barça in possession.

 

[Ghostmaster]

So it seems that Rakitic, contrary to Fabregas, starts to perform in the second part of the season

 

[SeloBarca]

I dont think Raki or Iniesta contributed that much in offense apart from the lobb assists.
Iniesta didnt beat his man once :/
Alba and Alves contributed more in offense on the flanks.

 

[evilhita666]

I dont think Raki or Iniesta contributed that much in offense apart from the lobb assists.
Iniesta didnt beat his man once :/
Alba and Alves contributed more in offense on the flanks.

At least with Rakitic I'm fine with that, as long as he keeps the team working as he did today and a week ago...

 

[SeloBarca]

I could wish the trainers would hone that rocket shot he has so we could utilize it more

 

[Barcaman]

A week ago he was a bad signing. Oh, how mood swings.

 

[KingMessi]

A week ago he was a bad signing. Oh, how mood swings.

That's the life of a football fan. Weekly (sometimes more frequent) mood swings.

 

[Kerrybai]

Nice to see him really contributing going forward, Now if Iniesta can just find some form we may actually have a good midfield again.

 

[onzeXI]

A week ago he was a bad signing. Oh, how mood swings.

Every player thread is has bi-polar characteristics. It's unavoidable.

 

[Ustari]

Bend it like Rakitic

 

[serghei]

He is performing better now. Good, I hope he keeps it up and makes a fine game vs Atletico.

 

[Dan1983]

Was brilliant yesterday and that assist for Messi's header was class.

 

[dakt]

A week ago he was a bad signing. Oh, how mood swings.

Actually, I'm still reserved about him. Two games against Atletico are coming, we'll see how it goes. I need more than two games in a row to judge his form.

 

[Barcaman]

2 games in a row? You must have missed first 10 rounds of La Liga where he was one of our best players.