To each one his own
Where was Rakitic at Gomes' age?
You probably didn't even know he existed
Rakitic was born in March 1988'
On Euros 2008' he played for Croatia, aged 20.
For example, one quite an awesome match for young Raki back then, Croatia:Germany 2:1 group stage:
On the 2nd goal, Rakitic is a player who crossed the ball from the right, the ball hits the post and Olic scores after a rebound.
Croatian formation was 442 or 451 with Rakitic, Modric, N. Kovac, Kranjcar and Srna playing in the middle and interchanging positions.
Rakitic played (as a starter) as a left and right midfielder in that match.
Rakitic was quite a good and developed allround midfielder even aged 20.