The problem I've here is the insistence on people trying to make a case for Rakitic in relative terms. He's a bit faster, more hard working than Cesc. Hence a perfect fit for Barca. How many of you thought he'd a barca profile whilst he was still playing at Schalke, or in his early time at Sevilla, rather how many here wanted him in the summer of 2013? For a Barca MF space is at a premium, the brain needs to work faster than the feet, its not so much about pure ball skills, but intelligence that makes a Barca CM tick. Does Rakitic have the required temperament and tactical understanding to thrive in a diff set-up than he's accustomed to? Its why Cesc failed. Now Rakitic could well prove his critics wrong in due course. But so far, his advocates haven't brought forward any compelling arguments in his favor.
He improved a lot since his Schalke years.
He was just an average/very good midfielder.
He just somehow stepped up and improved a lot in the last 2-3 years.
It is hard to answer if he has everything needed for Barca. We will have to wait for the first matches.
But he has a lot of potential and skills on paper.
Again, he can't be worse than Cesc. Cesc just doesn't fit our style.
Rakitic, at least on paper, has the skills/potential to play both Iniesta's and Xavi's role.
Also, he can play much deeper than Xavi. Also, he can be used as a Mr or Ml in 442 formations, if needed at some moments.
He is much more versatile than Cesc, works much harder, and as someone said: Cesc was already burned out when he came here.
Rakitic hasn't won any major trophy except Uefa cup. So, he will also have a much bigger motivation and a hunger than Cesc and some other players from our team.
Again, he can be either better than Cesc, or equally average as Cesc.
He won't be worse than Cesc (for Barca team).
