Dado
New member
Rakitic who was always an attacking MF in Schalke/Sevilla (with minimal defensive duties) was made to replace Xavi and his style of play.
Rakitic was never a runner he is slow as fu*c but the guy had to cover his man, Messi´s back and Alves. And it worked for 2 seasons in part Barca still had Iniesta on the other side of the pitch to provide the needed stability and passing there for ofloading the pressure from Rakitic and creating more space that he needs as he is NOT good in thight postions. Whe Iniesta was gone it all fell apart couze he was replaced by Gomez who is basicly the same type of player like Rakitic.
Its obvious to everyone this is not working anymore, sure Iniesta is back but he is not geting any younger and if injuries strike again ten what?
Rakitic is a good guy he really put his heart into his new job and duties but without Iniesta he cannot play that far right defensive midfield postion and Gomez cant play either.
Now either change the system (not likely) or buy midfielders that are RUNNERS.
Lets look at it:
This is Xavi at his golden days at Barca:
This is Rakitic at Sevilla where he was at the top of chances created in la liga for several seasons:
As you can see the two are NOTHING alike!
This is Rakitic in his first season at Barcelona while he still had some freedom:
And this is Rakitic our second right back in this his third season as already posted:
Now either he nearing his 30 years of age decided it was time to l fulfil his long life dream of playing a rightback, or he is doing what he is told.
The same goes for the player who replaces him at the right side. They are doing what Lucho tells them. Playing a fuckng rightback.
Rakitic was never a runner he is slow as fu*c but the guy had to cover his man, Messi´s back and Alves. And it worked for 2 seasons in part Barca still had Iniesta on the other side of the pitch to provide the needed stability and passing there for ofloading the pressure from Rakitic and creating more space that he needs as he is NOT good in thight postions. Whe Iniesta was gone it all fell apart couze he was replaced by Gomez who is basicly the same type of player like Rakitic.
Its obvious to everyone this is not working anymore, sure Iniesta is back but he is not geting any younger and if injuries strike again ten what?
Rakitic is a good guy he really put his heart into his new job and duties but without Iniesta he cannot play that far right defensive midfield postion and Gomez cant play either.
Now either change the system (not likely) or buy midfielders that are RUNNERS.
Lets look at it:
This is Xavi at his golden days at Barca:
This is Rakitic at Sevilla where he was at the top of chances created in la liga for several seasons:
As you can see the two are NOTHING alike!
This is Rakitic in his first season at Barcelona while he still had some freedom:
And this is Rakitic our second right back in this his third season as already posted:
Now either he nearing his 30 years of age decided it was time to l fulfil his long life dream of playing a rightback, or he is doing what he is told.
The same goes for the player who replaces him at the right side. They are doing what Lucho tells them. Playing a fuckng rightback.
He is doing a hard job on a postion he is told to. He runs all the time near the line and does a hell of a job in a defence. 
