Ivan Rakitić

[Henry_IB]

I am extremely pleased with him. He covers a huge amount of ground for the team, contribute a lot both offensively and defensively, has the ability to do a killer pass and overall very solid. Was watching that 1 hour long video of all goals of Barcelona this season and I noticed how often this guy makes great runs that draw defenders to him. Blame Zubi all you want, but he did well with this transfer.

 

[DinhoR10]

Fits lucho's style much better than Kroos would have probably.

 

[Antimadridista1]

I honnestly think that he's the most useful playing we bought last summer.
He gave some fresh air to our midfield, helps a lot defensively and starts to add a lot offensively to the team.

 

[beautifulgame]

What a player. Underrated here imo.

This

 

[hardyboy]

Rakitic: "Best friends at Barça? Ter Stegen and Adriano."
Funniest teammate? "Alba"
Most shy teammate? "Douglas"
Most intelligent? "Xavi"

 

[André]

It makes sense about Douglas. It's like the guy has been kidnapped by aliens.

 

[Egert]

MaTS and Raki bromance just got real. They should ask Leo that, wonder if he says Pique and Ney? Don't even bother to ask Neymar, he will say Leo

 

[pacp_96]

Not surprised Douglas is shy. I would be too if I was about 10X worse than the next worst player I was training with.

Its like in PE when picking teams. Douglas must feel really awful at being picked last all the time in 5-a-side matches.

 

[dakt]

Someone tell this guy to shoot outside the box as much as possible. The ball will bounce off someone, or go straight in....doesn't matter. The buses can't be broken by Messi going straight into the crowded box all the time,

 

[Flavia]

Someone tell this guy to shoot outside the box as much as possible. The ball will bounce off someone, or go straight in....doesn't matter. The buses can't be broken by Messi going straight into the crowded box all the time,

He used to at Sevilla. So he probably is instructed to not shoot, or doesn't feel that confident yet. This match needed more shots from outside the box.

 

[BerkeleyBernie]

Someone tell this guy to shoot outside the box as much as possible. The ball will bounce off someone, or go straight in....doesn't matter. The buses can't be broken by Messi going straight into the crowded box all the time,

I agree. Pedro had the right idea, took a shot at top of box as soon as he had a chance (blocked/deflected). With double banks as deep as Malaga, you have to pressure their goal enough to get disruptions in their formation. The more chances rattling around inside the box, sooner or later something goes in.

Don't know why Rakitic didn't start. He was key in breaking the bus in the first two Atletico matches, providing an overload on Messi's side.

 

[André]

Rested for City

 

[dakt]

Very pleased by him so far. Go Raki!

 

[Icarium]

That ball control though. Xavi will be pleased.

 

[Semi-Neutral]

I'll admit that I was wrong about Rakitic, he's more than just a simple jack-of-all-trades player, still not happy we sold Cesc lol but Raki feels essential now, his link-up with Messi and his workrate and presence on the right side of the field is terrific