19 - Lamine Yamal

[KingLeo10]

Depends which version of Rakitic we’re talking about?

If it’s only the 14/15 version, he was an absolute workhorse. I don’t think any of our midfielders are quite that full package, even though Pedri is close and better in some aspects.

Rakitic was good enough to completely bench Xavi (yes, the old version of Xavi, but Xavi was a midfield god and you just can’t bench him fully unless you got the goods yourself).

 

[te amo barca]

Ideally they would play together, as they are different in profile. But I wouldn't feel afraid to start a prime Rakitic over Pedri at times, if I need to choose one.

I remember he was best midfielder in LL before we took him form Sevilla. And that was an era when both Madrid and Barca had great mids.

Again, you're not Birdy little man.

I know it’s a shock for you but having a football opinion does not mean being Birdy

You show time and time again that you just don’t understand football. Probably never played it on any semi-decent level

 

[jamrock]

He was more than a workhorse though he has very high quality.

The WC were Croatia went deep, he was very bit modric equal.

If modric was better it wasn't by much.

 

[te amo barca]

Depends which version of Rakitic we’re talking about?

If it’s only the 14/15 version, he was an absolute workhorse. I don’t think any of our midfielders are quite that full package, even though Pedri is close and better in some aspects.

Rakitic was good enough to completely bench Xavi (yes, the old version of Xavi, but Xavi was a midfield god and you just can’t bench him fully unless you got the goods yourself).

Xavi was still better on the ball, Rakitic played first and foremost because we needed water carriers for MSN and particularly someone to defend that right DM/RB space because Messi and Dani roamed in attack.

Rakitic was never an elite player, just a bit below that bracket because of his technical limitations. His IQ was great but he often played a pass right into the pressing trap when pressured (his go-to move was to fall and ask for a foul)

 

[malvolio]

I know it’s a shock for you but having a football opinion does not mean being Birdy

No, but being a smug cunt that thinks he knows football is.

 

[xXKonan]

It's funny going back and seeing the differences I've seen with both teams.

People expected a lot more from the MSN era team. We probably should have at least had another CL title in there but we completely faded in 2015/16, and the 16/17 team we botched some replacements, and we were inconsistent as Lucho's system gradually fell apart.

This current team is one many didn't expect us to be in contention for a treble at all. But this team for all it's flaws is the best-coached and performing team we have had in years, especially in Europe.

 

[jamrock]

It's funny going back and seeing the differences I've seen with both teams.

People expected a lot more from the MSN era team. We probably should have at least had another CL title in there but we completely faded in 2015/16, and the 16/17 team we botched some replacements, and we were inconsistent as Lucho's system gradually fell apart.

This current team is one many didn't expect us to be in contention for a treble at all. But this team for all it's flaws is the best-coached and performing team we have had in years, especially in Europe.

Yea that's why this team won't be the best team to ever win a treble, will probably even be middle table on CL winners ever.

But it will be the best treble win ever, because no one saw it coming.

Idk what it says about the equality of football now, but you can only play who is in front of you.

 

[Barcaman]

Prime Rakitic over current FDJ anytime, be serious people

He'd never bench Pedri though

Don't think it's opportune to compare too much as we're talking different teams, different managers.

For example if go just a bit further back Barca won CL with Edmilson and Van Bommel in midfield.

Think Rakitić served his purpose but should have been replaced earlier as others. That team was one of the best in history but got too much power and were allowed to get complacent.

Already said I am proponent of replacing few players each year if team wins big. Next season would definitely drop Lewa (easy choice) and would pick one of Frenkie, Kounde or Inigo.

 

[Temptation]

It's hilarious how underrated Rakitic is on this forum.

If he was a few inches smaller and was a typical "Barca DNA" midfielder, people would rate him much higher.

Amazing player.

 

[Gnidrologist]

He could probably bench pedri too, prime rakitic was freaking class.

Different profile players, but he was class.

The worse of the starting 3 in that midfield, was at the very least equal to our best midfielder now, most likely better.

Pedri will be better in his prime though.

Remember that our main problem once MSN declined/disbanded, Xavi retired and Iniesta got old and only Messi was left to carry the attack, Rakitic became a major liability. Anfield disaster the apogee of it. Pedri is better than him for Barca for his ability to manipulate space and tempo all alone and thus bring calmness. Rakitic became panicked back pass merchant as soon as there was nobody else to absorb the pressure. Great player, when put in the right role, but far from being able to lead the mid in the team like Barca.

 

[FinBarcelonafan]

Prime Rakitic over current FDJ anytime, be serious people

He'd never bench Pedri though

2015 Rakitic for sure. He was machine.

 

[vegitot]

Xavi was still better on the ball, Rakitic played first and foremost because we needed water carriers for MSN and particularly someone to defend that right DM/RB space because Messi and Dani roamed in attack.

Rakitic was never an elite player, just a bit below that bracket because of his technical limitations. His IQ was great but he often played a pass right into the pressing trap when pressured (his go-to move was to fall and ask for a foul)

Rakitic was a 10 in Sevilla, before joined Barca. Then became a water carrier to cover Messi.

I don't think Pedri can be a water carrier type of player like Rakitic used to.

 

[khaled_a_d]

Rakitic was a 10 in Sevilla, before joined Barca. Then became a water carrier to cover Messi.

I don't think Pedri can be a water carrier type of player like Rakitic used to.

That is very true. He was enjoyable to watch as a 10 in Schalke too

 

[M3ls]

Rakitic was excellent on the ball. However, when you have to cover a huge space on the right flank Rakitic was excellent on the ball. However, when you have to cover a huge space on the right flank (because the little dictator did not want to work without the ball) making a lot of sprints, it is obvious that the quality of your passes will drop, especially under pressure.

If Kroos had been in Rakitic's place in that Barcelona, he would have gone to hospital for three months after the first match.

 

[vegitot]

What a useless discussion. Rakitic wouldn't start for for neither Barca 2009-2013 or current one, even in his peak form. Could find gazzilion examples like that, but what for?

No way you think Gavi or Casado is better than Rakitic