Ivan Rakitić

[JerseyAddict]

He was all over the pitch. People pls. he was behind Messi and suddenly he shows up left front behind Neymar and things like that. Runs back, kung fu-style stops the ball etc. He even scored. Hot and cold... Well, the team was like that.

 

[kilian]

He is the only reason we don`t get destroyed on that right side of the pitch. When Messi plays like yesterday with almost no defending, he leaves an enormous gap on that right side and if it weren`t for Rakitic our right back would be overrun all the time. And because of that there is more space in the middle for opposition players.

I don`t know is it just me, but we look so out of balance when defending.

 

[FC B]

He was hot and cold, though... While I value today's game as positive overall, he made some silly mistakes too...

+1

 

[gasgas]

He is the only reason we don`t get destroyed on that right side of the pitch. When Messi plays like yesterday with almost no defending, he leaves an enormous gap on that right side and if it weren`t for Rakitic our right back would be overrun all the time. And because of that there is more space in the middle for opposition players.

I don`t know is it just me, but we look so out of balance when defending.

It's Messi's fault for not wanting to defend at all

ATM hardly attacked our left side despite having Juanfran and Griezman
Neymar contributes in defence

 

[Messi983]

Yes, Messi is not doing much in defense most of the times (against smaller opponents) but in big games he usually at least shows some desire to help defending. I didn't see that yesterday and it could be down to him not really feeling well from the start and trying not to get (re)injured. Of course that's just my guess and I could be wrong.

About Rakitić, I loved his contributions in all phases of the game. Maybe he could just try with some long distance shots too when we had problems creating chances in 2nd half.

 

[aondoe]

Thought he was tied with Pique as man of the match for Barca. His ball handling was sharp and confident as was his passing. And can't forget his goal. He had a few wayward touches, but he was stellar.

 

[El Flaco]

Rakitic's goal vs. Atlético de Madrid

[gfy]AccurateKindlyBluebreastedkookaburra[/gfy]

[gfy]OpulentTornHylaeosaurus[/gfy]

 

[mark1nhu]

Raki so happy for Arda.

I loved it.

 

[Zincubus]

As much as I'd like to agree. I won't say anything negative about him just for today. He saved us a point and I'll just be thankful.

I just think he's simply not good enough to be a regular starter for Barcelone guys . I'd prefer to have Gomes , even Sergi Roberto in his position . Sadly we've crowbarred Sergi R into the RB spot but I'd still start with Gomes over Rakitic every time ...

 

[Zincubus]

Yea, it's clear that in the absence of Messi he can't really provide that creativity that is needed in a game against a parked bus. Too bad Gomes was injured.

That's my gripe with this guy , we're used to Xavi and Iniesta in there , Rakitic is a competent player at best and that ain't enough to be a nailed on starter in the Barca middle three . I'd take Gomes everytime over Rakky . Sorry guys .

 

[kilian]

Gomes played a few games and to be honest didn`t do nothing spectacular that Rakitic didn`t do in these last few years. Don`t get me wrong, I`m excited about Gomes talent, just didn`t see nothing special till now. That`s understandable, because he played only a few games and I hope he`ll continue to play better and better. I think he could be a great player for us. But to say that he is already a better midfielder for us than Rakitic, who was crucial in winning triple and double in the last two years is just weird.

 

[FC B]

Raki so happy for Arda.

I loved it.

+1

 

[blastandburn]

I just think he's simply not good enough to be a regular starter for Barcelone guys . I'd prefer to have Gomes , even Sergi Roberto in his position . Sadly we've crowbarred Sergi R into the RB spot but I'd still start with Gomes over Rakitic every time ...

Won't disagree with you there, mate. Rakitic is definitely far from worth a start in Barcelona but I just refrained from saying anything negative just for the sake of his goal against Atletico.

 

[Trickykid]

 

[Behrox]

I know right. Its like I've been living in an entirely different reality all this time