UEFA Champions League 2018/19: Man Utd vs Barcelona First XIs, Stats Breakdown

Attacking Midfield: Paul Pogba vs Ivan Rakitic

Paul Pogba is having his best season at United under Solskjaer. Under Mourinho, the mercurial French World Cup winner was tied down with defensive responsibilities and United fans never got to see his true potential.

Ole Gunnar Soslkjaer was not to make the same mistake and he positioned Pogba well ahead of two defensive midfielders in Matic and Herrera. The move reaped rich dividends as the former Juventus man banged in 14 goals and 10 assists, showing the kind of form that justifies his world record transfer fee.

Paul Pogba-Silky smooth in possession

Ivan Rakitic has become a world class player in recent years, leading Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final along with Real Madrid's Luka Modric. He was supremely influential in the recent double-victories over Real Madrid, scoring a sublime chip in the 1-0 win over Los Blancos in the La Liga. Not only does he double up as a sheet anchor along with Busquets, but the 31-year-old is also adept at chipping in with stunning long-range goals.

Ivan Rakitic-A complete modern day European midfielder

Verdict: This is not a perfect like for like comparison as Rakitic plays in a much more defensive box to box role under Valverde's system at Barcelona whereas Pogba has a freer attacking midfield role at Solkjaer's United. But comparing statistically on the attributes of an attacking midfielder, Pogba is clearly superior. The 26-year-old has more goals and assists and leads in stats like key passes, shots, dribbles, long balls and through balls per game.

Pogba vs Rakitic