4 ways Rakitic brings a new dimension at Barcelona

It cost Barcelona £16 million to acquire the services of Ivan Rakitic back in 2013 from Sevilla, and the Croatian has been one of the most important players for the Blaugrana.

Rakitic is arguably the best at what he does, contributing in every aspect of the game. Extraordinary work rate, perfect positioning, interceptions, tackles, blocks in every minute of the game, and rare but beautiful goals; that sums up everything about Rakitic.

We get trapped by goals and goal scorers almost every time, failing to notice the players who are making it happen.

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#4 Being a perfect CM

The Croatian midfielder has had the most interceptions in La Liga last term

Rakitic's biggest compliment is when he is taken off the pitch, it is noticeable. He is such a selfless football, does the dirty work, and protects the backline over and over. But only when things go sideways, he is noticed by the cules and criticisms come in at full speed, but when he does his job perfectly, more times, others are the beneficiary.

Rakitic's abilities to contribute to the defence and attack when there is a chance makes him a special player. Though he is slow, the former Sevilla man can dribble and create out of the most difficult situations.

Despite being criticised for performing inconsistently for the Catalans, Ernesto Valverde still trusts his man to take on the midfield spot. And deservingly so, the Croatian is an impactful player in every way.

#3 Provides stability to the team

Juventus v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Final

He provides Barcelona with the much-needed balance. Without his vital defensive steel and subsequent team shape, the Catalans would not be able to play with the freedom they enjoy.

He sure is not an out-and-out destroyer, but he is the reason Barca's attacking players play freely on the pitch. He is a total workhorse, a box to box midfielder. Good at regaining possession, does vital interceptions and reads the play well.

Rakitic participates in both the attacking and the defending aspects; something midfielders are asked to do. However, Rakitic does it with a certain degree of flair and that is what makes him one of a kind. Well, you are supposed to play the best level of football when playing alongside Busquets.

#2 Insane work-rate

A gem of a player

Rakitic's work-rate is one of the many brilliant qualities he has, and this ensures him a starting position over the best of bests midfielders in Barcelona. He has earned respect and fandom from his amazing contributions to the Catalans, and he is a player nobody could ever hate.

Talking about his work-rate, Rakitic is the major reason why Barcelona are able to have the most possession of the ball during a game. His positioning and awareness pay off quite a lot of times for the Blaugrana.

With Rakitic in the team sheet, the Barcelona attackers do not experience much trouble going forward, as the Croatian is probably the best at regaining possession and intercepting passes.

#1 Attacking prowess

His attacking abilities are underrated

Rakitic has changed his game style with time, and he contributes in the defending aspects more. However, that does not change the fact that his vision and attacking abilities are as amazing as ever.

His assist to Messi's second goal yesterday was one of the few instances wherein he outperforms his opponents.

His rare but beautiful stunners are a treat to watch; one he scored in the El Clasico the last term. Long-range shooting is one of the few attacking qualities he has, and the Croatian is equally good with his weak foot.

He dominates the midfield alongside Busquets, and though he does not have extra-ordinary pace, his positioning helps him score and assist for his teammates.