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#3 Stop overvaluing Ivan Rakitic
Ivan Rakitic has been inconsistent for over a year now, and the Croatian is certainly not the same player that he was a couple of seasons ago. In the absence of Dani Alves last season, his flaws were brought to light as Sergi Roberto failed to offer what the former Barcelona full-back did.
The duo of Alves and Messi embarked upon the creative duty on the right flank, which meant Rakitic didn't really have to flaunt his creativity to survive in the team, in fact, it was his work-rate which mattered the most.
The 29-year-old did a fine job as long as Barçelona's problem at the right-back position was exposed last season, and since then, the midfielder has only been next to ordinary. No doubt, Rakitic has been impressive when it comes to his technical skills and has played a prominent role in some matches this season, but it is the inconsistency which hurts the 29-year-old.
His relentless back passing and inadequate vision have nixed a lot of creative moves, plus his inability of holding onto the ball and finding a teammate with an accurate pass when opponents create pressure, often results in dispossession.
There is no way we can deny Rakitic's class, he is a good player, but his contribution to the team this season has been insignificant. Rakitic has enjoyed well over 1000 minutes this season and it is about time Valverde puts his faith in a younger midfielder.
