For me, Vidal was "too attacking" again today.
He ventures in attack.
If something happens=fine.
If not=he is leaving huge holes behind his back.
Now, as time passes, I think that the main reason why Rakitic is the most played Barca's midfielder in the last 5 seasons is=because he is the perfect and the best babysitter in our team.
In Lucho's years, he was covering for 4 players: Messi, Suarez, Neymar and Iniesta.
During EV, for example, in 433, he was covering for 3 attackers and a CM Coutinho.
So, in that sense, NO ONE till now could have subbed Rakitic since all other midfielders are way more attacking minded and move way more up and down (Vidal and Roberto for example).
Rakitic moves less, which is bad in some ways.
But on the other hand, he is always on his place, keeping his defensive position and babysitting.
Arthur is similar in that regard.
And now, with 2 babysitters, we play quite well.
Regarding Vidal, some users mentioned a few weeks ago: Coutinho-Vidal-Busquets trio.
Where is a babysitter in that midfield?
Vidal could play from time to time instead of Rakitic or Arthur.
But again, he plays more attacking than those two and is leaving his position way more often (in defensive sense).
In short, Lucho and EV both want/need at least ONE babysitter.
And Rakitic is the best babysitter at Barca.
Ev is more defensive minded (even though Lucho also turned to 4 midfielders in his last season) and he likes 2 babysitters.
This explains why EV liked Paulinho and Gomes over Denis and Rafinha.
Because Paulinho/Gomes are closer to babysitters and more defensive minded.
EV's idea is that:
Defense is defending
Midfield is mostly babysitting
And attack is trying to score.
Which, when you have Messi, isn't the worst tactics in the world...
