I'm really starting to like him. Maybe it has to do with the fact that Lucho knows how to use him. He is great positionally and spatial awareness, doesn't get confused, when pressed and distributes well and without hesitation. I don't think he will ever be the type of creative player, who can make a killer pass to forward, but i'm starting to feel comfortable with him in the deep midfield just like i am with Xavi. He's not flashy, but very reliable. The exact Opposite of Rafinha, for whom i have not much hope left.
There was one beautiful move in the second half, when his fast consideration of situation made very smooth, almost Pep like attacking move, where several players participated and in the end Messi had ball in very good situation close to the box. We need players, who think fast. I will reconcile with the Rakitic for not having Barca DNA, because he brings loads of other goods to our game, but no someone like Rafinha, should be rightfully loose the first choice young player sub to Roberto.