Last season was one to forget for Barcelona. For the first time in a long time, Barcelona did not win a trophy. At times it seemed that there was a lack of desire from the players who they rely upon the most. Barcelona have already begun to change that and bring in some younger, hungry players with the potential purchase of Sevilla Playmaker, and Croatian International Ivan Rakitic. The transfer window is a long one but a signing like this (which could be seen as a upgrade on the departing Cesc Fabregas) so early on would send a warning shot to their rivals that Barcelona will be stronger than ever. So may questions would have to be answered upon his arrival, who would make way in the team? Would anyone? How much of an impact will be made straight away?
The Croatian star brings a lot of natural talent and combines it with plenty of hard work in every match he plays. He has numerous positives that make him one of La Liga’s best.
Lets start with his vision as it is out of this world. Rakitic is one of those special players who can see a pass that only some players would dream of seeing or a path to run at the defense which seemed impossible. This is what makes him a special player. On top of this, his pitch positioning is very smart for the position he plays. This allows him to have a great balance between defense and attack. The Sevilla star also has a strong and accurate shot and the great stamina which to last over the course of a long season. Combine these talents and it is easy to see why he would be a great buy for Barca.
For all the positives he does have some weaknesses. Ivan’s return is not of a high standard with 12 assists and 13 goals in 41 appearances. This is also down to the quality of players around him not being up to the standard better teams. Also the biggest downfall to his game is his tackling is very weak. He tracks back well and tries to help the team but when he is there to help out he is often giving away silly fouls or getting in the way of his teammates attempt to regain possession. If he can make these small but crucial improvements he could go from one of La Liga’s best to one of the world’s best.
The role that Ivan Raktic will play for Barcelona is a crucial one but he is not a guaranteed starter by any means. As I stated before many would assume that he is coming in to replace the leaving the Cesc Fabregas who is on his way out after failing to make inroads into the first team following his move from Arsenal. The stats don’t lie, the former Arsenal captain has scored 9 goals this season and 14 assists in 35 appearances. This would indicate that Fabregas is the better player, no? Well, Raktic is doing it in a team where he is the star, Fabregas is doing it in a team where he is surrounded by world class players. Even though he has played a few games less Fabregas’ stats should be far superior to the stats that Raktic is producing. So, will Raktic start for Barcelona, I’m not sure but he should be higher up the pecking order than Fabregas was on his return to the club.
At the moment, if reports are to be believed, a deal is close. Barcelona have been able to hold off the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the pursuit of Rakitic. The deal is important to both clubs as Sevilla need money and Barca need Ivan Rakitic. The deal is so important to both clubs that Sevilla have been stalling on Liverpool’s move for Alberto Moreno so they can complete this one first. The deal is rumored at a bargain price of 20 million euros. This could well be the smartest buy of the window if Barcelona manage to get their man.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @LWOSDemetriSmith. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter –@LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Feel free to discuss this and other footy related articles with thousands of fans at r/football.
Main Photo:
