Ivan Rakitic has had a big week in Barcelona. After a tough start to the campaign, he seems set to have a more important role once again, as he has done in previous seasons under Ernesto Valverde.
The Croatian had started just once all season before Wednesday (away at Granada) when he was named in the team for the Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund. Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets, Arthur Melo and Arturo Vidal have all been used ahead of him.
However, starting one of the biggest games of the season has had a big effect. It's been an injection of moral for the midfielder, who did well against the German side. It's far from ruled out (especially with Sergio Busquets suspended) that the former Sevilla man starts against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano this Sunday -- the Catalan club's second big game of the week.
Rakitic has published a photograph on social media of him in training on Friday with a message full of positivity: "Looking forward to the next challenge." The next challenge could be at the Metropolitano. Or in January, when who knows what will happen now...
Masir_LM10_Barça
0
It will be good to see if Rakitic is in his top form and able start rest of the games...
hope u get the badge
Masir_LM10_Barça
0
It will be good to see if Rakitic is in his top form and able start rest of the games...
there is an article in 'Headline' column....follow my steps... 'Headlines'...then scroll down...'All trending News'... again scroll down by reading article headlines...'Who's your favourite to win Ballon d'Or? Comment his name and get special badge!' this the headline...comment here & get the badge...good luck
Holmes47
0
It will be good to see if Rakitic is in his top form and able start rest of the games...
How do i activate the Messi balon dor icon
Holmes47
0
Balon Dor incoming
Masir_LM10_Barça
1
It will be good to see if Rakitic is in his top form and able start rest of the games...
tamhgfg
0
Messi will win the Balon d'or
Lizcklmnt
0
You better play well mate
dis is the team dat we one him to play
maddyfootballer
4
The next challenge is getting valverde sacked, go for it
Kinkar10
1
Rakitic hardly upsets you..
Manish371
4
Come on man, why the are we behaving like real madrid and other clubs. We are letting rakitic go at his prime and what he has done for the club is least to none. In next 2-3 years wby the time messi retires, barca will be filled with players like dembele and griezmann and coaches like valverde. I think barca is on the brink of losing its legacy. we need to act now and identify the players who can keep that legacy alive.
Cobykenneth
7
Vidal can put more pressure in midfield
Hacker65
5
Good luck Rakitic. I want you to shine
Spanishfootball
6
against athletico
UnicornWizard
1
You better play well mate
Bobacpty
0
My player I love 🥰🥰 thought he gave up this a man of big games
Mapdinrz
3
waiting for your colourful performance Raki