5 players who will make El Clasico exciting without Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

#5 Ivan Rakitic

When you think of El Clasico, the infamous midfield battles over the years often springs to mind. And it's not difficult to see why, because there really has been class in the centre of the park throughout history.

However, when you consider form this season, not many are better than Ivan Rakitic. He has been a solid solution in the centre for Barcelona, while also racking up a few goals and assists along the way, which is always an added bonus.

Most notoriously, he scored a stunner for Barcelona against Tottenham in the Champions League, a game which caught the eyes of many. He will look to deal with the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, which is never an easy task.

These are just a few examples, because all 22 players on the pitch are bound to make their presence known. Who do you think will be the standout performer in this classic tie? Have your say in the comments.

About the author

Kian is a 19-year-old student from the UK.His love of football arose at a young age and he has always had a keen eye for the game. His hobbies, besides writing, include studying, going to the gym and complaining about Arsenal. Sometimes all three.

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Edited by Anthony Akatugba Jr.