Sevilla

[Antimilan]

He'd probably bench Suarez/Tiago and play alongside Gabi as the playmaker of the double pivot. I actually think he'd fit in perfectly if he were to move there.

That would be quite a change in Atleti's playing style and philosophy. Gabi, Suarez, Tiago, Koke are all tough men in the midfield. Rakitic will never achieve their speed and/or work rate during a match, the man-marking, aggressiveness when needed. He would probably not do more of what Diego is capable of doing currently in Atleti, that's why Diego is benched, because he plays more up front, just as the natural role of Rakitic. He is being forced to play very deep lately for Sevilla because of our first team DM injuries, Cristoforo 6 months and Carrico now will be available in a week or two, shifting Rakitic to the natural AM position. He is crap at playing deep, don't let that RM match trick you because the second half was a whole different story, in the first he was the worst player of Sevilla.

 

[DonAndres]

That would be quite a change in Atleti's playing style and philosophy. Gabi, Suarez, Tiago, Koke are all tough men in the midfield. Rakitic will never achieve their speed and/or work rate during a match, the man-marking, aggressiveness when needed. He would probably not do more of what Diego is capable of doing currently in Atleti, that's why Diego is benched, because he plays more up front, just as the natural role of Rakitic. He is being forced to play very deep lately for Sevilla because of our first team DM injuries, Cristoforo 6 months and Carrico now will be available in a week or two, shifting Rakitic to the natural AM position. He is crap at playing deep, don't let that RM match trick you because the second half was a whole different story, in the first he was the worst player of Sevilla.

He has the physical presence and direct style that suits Atleti. He'd have to improve his workrate though, it'd be difficult but doable (ala Turan). The thing is that Tiago doesn't even play as an anchor for Atleti alongside Gabi. It's Gabi doing the foundation play and Tiago acting as a playmaker behind the AM's (Koke and Turan) with defensive responsibilities. It'd be a bit of an adaptation but with a solid preseason and discipline he could do it very well.

His defensive play is what needs improvement, but IMO Rakitic is fine in his attacking style for Atletico. His game is built around long passes, set pieces, powerful shots, and having good technique. He'd need to hold back a bit from roaming freely forward as an attacking midfielder usually does, but there aren't many major stylistic changes.

 

[footyfan]

That would be quite a change in Atleti's playing style and philosophy. Gabi, Suarez, Tiago, Koke are all tough men in the midfield. Rakitic will never achieve their speed and/or work rate during a match, the man-marking, aggressiveness when needed. He would probably not do more of what Diego is capable of doing currently in Atleti, that's why Diego is benched, because he plays more up front, just as the natural role of Rakitic. He is being forced to play very deep lately for Sevilla because of our first team DM injuries, Cristoforo 6 months and Carrico now will be available in a week or two, shifting Rakitic to the natural AM position. He is crap at playing deep, don't let that RM match trick you because the second half was a whole different story, in the first he was the worst player of Sevilla.

Spot on. I watched Rakitic specifically last season at Sevilla and I came to the same conclusion.

He has the physical presence and direct style that suits Atleti. He'd have to improve his workrate though, it'd be difficult but doable (ala Turan). The thing is that Tiago doesn't even play as an anchor for Atleti alongside Gabi. It's Gabi doing the foundation play and Tiago acting as a playmaker behind the AM's (Koke and Turan) with defensive responsibilities. It'd be a bit of an adaptation but with a solid preseason and discipline he could do it very well.

His defensive play is what needs improvement, but IMO Rakitic is fine in his attacking style for Atletico. His game is built around long passes, set pieces, powerful shots, and having good technique. He'd need to hold back a bit from roaming freely forward as an attacking midfielder usually does, but there aren't many major stylistic changes.

I don't think he has that much of a physical presence tbh. This is what I was saying on the Rakitic thread, he is not alot better than Fabregas in workrate, defensive prowess and mobility. In glimpses, yes he looks amazing because his technique can be great. If you'd been following Rakitic from his Schalke days, he's an AM turned CM, while Fabregas is a CM turned AM. Fabregas is very restricted at Barcelona and that can make him look utter crap. But otherwise, he's no slouch defensively and can turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.

I'd say Rakitic and Fabregas are about equally suited for Atletico, while Fabregas is definitely a better fit for Barca.

 

[Antimilan]

Still 5th, 6 points behind Bilbao (4th)... the dream goes on !

 

[Barcadub]

Beating Espanyol 1-0.

Gap down to 3 points as it stands

Bilbao have an away game tomorrow aswel.

 

[Barcadub]

2-0

Pressure on Bilbao now.

 

[Barcadub]

Hmmm 2-1

 

[Barcadub]

3-1 :thumbsup2:

 

[Barcadub]

Gooooaaaaaaaaal 4-1.

 

[linetty]

Rakitic makes it 4-1

 

[Antimilan]

Thanks for being part of the enthusiasm guys, appreciated !

We're marching bravely towards the 4th spot. All the pressure is now in Bilbao, and Levante is not a team to fool with.

The dream continues.

 

[Catorce]

I still hope Bilbao takes it, to be honest Sevilla is nice, but somehow I just like the Basque clubs very much It's still all in their hands, I don't see them giving it away any more.

 

[Barcadub]

Bilbao missed a penalty but have just taken the lead now.

 

[Antimilan]

Bilbao missed a penalty but have just taken the lead now.

It's a shame that Sevilla lost to this pretty weak and disorganized Levante.

 

[Barcadub]

2-0 Bilbao.