'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
There is no doubt that Rakitic is easily one of the best midfielders in the world and probably one of the greatest midfielders in the history of Barcelona. Known for his versatility as a deep-lying playmaker, the 30-year old has been an extremely important player for La Blaugrana ever since his arrival in 2014.
Rakitic was initially a replacement for Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, and has proven to be an asset. His calm composure and the ability to perform at a top-class level has surely given him a lot of attention, as in his very first season, Rakitic was able to win a treble with Barcelona.
Even at the age of 30, the Croatian midfielder continues to perform exceptionally. However, there will surely be a time when Rakitic will either have to hang his boots or move to another club.
Andre Gomes was initially a backup for the Croatian, but has not been able to make that impact, as he was loaned to Everton this season. 5 players, albeit can potentially replace the maestro in the future.
#5 Corentin Tolisso - Bayern Munich
One of the best midfielders in the world, Tolisso was one of the major reasons why France ended up winning the FIFA World Cup, as with the likes of Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante in midfield, he was able to establish a system of linkup play, providing opportunities for the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe.
Though his style of play is more aggressive than Rakitic's, he can surely ghost himself into goal scoring positions, making some of the most important runs from the right side. A versatile playmaker, and a natural box to box midfielder, Tolisso could fit into the style of play Barcelona offers. Tolisso could surely be a well-struck bargain if he is to arrive at the Camp Nou.
#4 Suso - AC Milan
The 24-year-old is one of the only few players in the world who can play anywhere from the midfield to the attack. His qualities as a versatile playmaker has earned him a lot of attention from multiple clubs, but he has failed to maintain his impact as a consistent player.
Although he is also considered as one of the most underrated footballers, Suso could come back to his home country and join Barcelona, successfully replacing Ivan Rakitic. His recent form at the San Siro could be a turning point in his career.
Suso specialises as an attacking midfielder who also plays as a deep-lying playmaker as well, somewhat drawing comparison to former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez. However, in place of Ivan Rakitic, the Spaniard could do wonders when it comes to being an extremely important midfielder for La Blaugrana.
#3 Marco Verratti - Paris Saint-Germain
The 25-year old has been on Barcelona's radar for quite some time, and was rumored to have almost agreed to the club's offer last season, but little has changed as Verratti remains with the French side.
His play-making abilities have attracted a lot of attention from a number of clubs from the Premier League, Bundesliga, and LaLiga. A technically gifted midfielder, he is one of those players with an extremely low center of gravity, and can unconditionally perform in any given situation.
Verratti's excellence as a midfielder goes far beyond expectation, as his ability to develop inter-plays with his fellow teammates and play closely as a 'space maker' has made him one of the best midfielders in the world. He could surely become a picture-perfect replacement for Ivan Rakitic.
#2 Ruben Neves - Wolverhampton Wanderers
One of the best young midfielders in the world, Neves has attracted a lot of attention ever since his arrival at Premier League side Wolverhampton. A consistent and reliable box to box midfielder, Neves is known for his charismatic display of inter-plays he develops with his fellow teammates.
Often switching to a defensive role, he is regarded as one of the future stars of world football. The Portuguese midfielder has scored 1 goal this season for Wolves, and has played an extremely important role in the development of his side.
His inclusion in Ernesto Valverde's side will only be good news, as he could be an extremely comfortable replacement for Ivan Rakitic due to his play-making abilities and the fact that his pace and agility can be an addition to the much flourishing Barcelona side. Neves surely has the potential to be a top class midfielder for La Blaugrana.
All stats via transfermarkt
#1 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic - Lazio
Arguably the most complete midfielder in the world, Milinkovic-Savic's tall stature makes him a strong, competitive, and intelligent playmaker. He is usually known as a central midfielder, but can also play as an attacking midfielder, or in a more central defensive position, totally depending on the situation.
The Serbian midfielder is already rated with a price tag of €100milllion, and has been chased by some of the most prestigious clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Chelsea.
His style of play is what Barcelona needs, as he is a sensible playmaker, just like Rakitic, who can switch his role depending totally on the situation.
Right from his inter-plays to his through balls, Barca's forwards can benefit. In addition, him playing the role of an attacking midfielder could relieve Lionel Messi from his duties, and allow the Argentine play an aggressive role.
