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Ivan Rakitic – Is The Croatian On his Way Out Of Barcelona?

By Nikhil Kulkarni

BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 19: Ivan Rakitic (R) of FC Barcelona conducts the ball next to David Silva (L) of Manchester City FC during the UEFA Champions League group C match between FC Barcelona and Manchester City FC at Camp Nou on October 19, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 19: Ivan Rakitic (R) of FC Barcelona conducts the ball next to David Silva (L) of Manchester City FC during the UEFA Champions League group C match between FC Barcelona and Manchester City FC at Camp Nou on October 19, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) /
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As the January window opened, the talk of  Ivan Rakitic leaving Barcelona started to buzz around yet again. The reason being the arrivals of Andre Gomes and  Denis Saurez. Also somewhat falling out of favor for Luis Enrique has proving to be a catalyst for such talk. So, this is a perfect time to evaluate what Rakitic brings to Barcelona squad. How things will affect his either decision.

Barcelona signed the Croatian midfielder from Sevilla in 2014 as a long-term replacement for legendary Xavi. Ivan Rakitic delivered the goods in his 1st season itself with grabbing all the opportunities that came his way. He was pivotal in the treble winning FCB team scoring in Champions League final and scored total 5 goals in La Liga. An ever-present player who can score as well as assist vital goals at key moments played almost 32 matches in La Liga 2014-15.His ability to play at deep-lying midfield position or further forward proved flexible for Lucho in his very first season.

The departure of Xavi made his way clear to be a starter in each game for 2015-16 season. 30 starts out of 36 matches he played in La Liga 2015-16 can describe why Ivan Rakitic was a big cheese in FCB midfield. He was an integral part of the squad and a perfect provider for deadly MSN upfront. It’s his work-rate and selflessness which have characterized his time at Camp Nou. Barcelona’s historical run last year was halted by early burnout of most players and Ivan Rakitic was one of them. Still, he managed to pull off 7 goals for the Catalans.

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But the time has flown and this year has been a different story for the Croatian. The arrival of Gomes and Denis Saurez raised eyebrows over his future at Camp Nou. The mere fact that he had just 14 appearances with 11 starts in the La Liga till date were indications of the rumors. He has scored just 2 goals and an assist this season which defined his dip in form for the 1st time in Barcelona shirt. The drop in minutes played by Rakitic added fuel to the fire. This has been the reason for the interest from rivals in Manchester with Pep Guardiola eying for the creative playmaker.

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If he remains at Camp Nou, Ivan Rakitic will be key for Barca’s success in the times to come. Even though he has not been best this season he is the one who follows the Barcelona philosophy and will always come strong. With Busquets and Iniesta both injured, for time being he is the most experienced player in the midfield. He knows this very well and will try to capitalize on this chance. Let’s hope that the injuries to midfield playmakers may prove a blessing in disguise and all the rumors will be a drop in the bucket again.