Rakitić’s importance to FC Barcelona.

Since his move to FC Barcelona in the 2014-2015 season, Ivan Rakitić has been a vital component to the team’s success. Two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey, a Champions League title, and numerous other trophies have all arrived since Rakitić began to wear the azulgrana.

It is no surprise that every transfer window teams are bidding for the fantastic Croatian. England giants Manchester United and Manchester City have been interested in the midfielder for quite some time now. Rakitić really brings a lot to the team, so it makes sense that teams would be desperate to secure his services.

Barcelona has been trying to sign Marco Verratti since the window opened. It seems that the move won’t go through, but if it should, where does that leave Rakitić? If Barcelona continues to play a three man midfield, there are only two spots open for debate. Sergio Busquets continues to be one of the finest defensive midfielders in the world, so his spot his secured. No one on the squad can replace him when he is in form; he is untouchable.

So, what about the other two spots? Fans and coaching staff alike are sure to want to start long time servant and club captain Andrés Iniesta. On his best day, his advanced footballing ability would sit down any other midfielder on the planet. Should Verratti be signed, he would occupy the other midfielder spot. So where would that leave Rakitić?

Will he be reduced to the bench, or even worse sold? There are rumors that he could be sold in order to finance a big money move for Verratti, or that if the diminutive Italian should actually arrive, Rakitić himself would demand to be allowed to leave. Of course, these are just rumors, but it puts the concept into perspective; does Barcelona need Rakitić?

Simply put, yes, the team desperately needs a player like him. The era of having two gifted, world class playmakers, is over. Xavi retired and left a gap that can never be filled. Rakitić has however done the best he can, and his best has certainly been appreciated. He has won nine trophies with Barcelona. He has made important goals such as a goal against Juventus in the Champions League final, or his left-footed rocket against Real Madrid last season. Here are a few of his highlights from last season:

His work rate and winner’s mentality brings so much to the team. When he was asked in an interview about the attacking trio of Messi, Suarez, and Neymar, Rakitić had this to say. “If tomorrow I had to run 10 kilometers more so they can offer their best performances, I would do it with a lot of pleasure.”

The unselfishness of this player to make sure that his team comes first is nothing short of amazing. Midfielders who are as good as he is and are without ego are hard to come by. The notion that he may be sold should scare fans. Rakitić is a very important player for Barcelona. He came to a team that had gone trophy less the year before and helped catapult them back to the top. He loves the team and the fans love him. It would be a foolish move to let him leave or to include him in any deal that would have him possibly go to European rivals.

At twenty-nine years old, he still has so much to give to the team. If he continues to put his heart and soul into every game as he always does, he can become a club legend, without a doubt.