He has end product and puts enough of a shift in defensively winning the ball. He makes more tackles than Carrick and more interceptions than Fellaini/Cleverley, etc and Carrick is our only central midfielder who makes more passes per game, Rakitic still makes as many as Modric. I think pairing him with another player who has a defensive side but can also pass the ball, there would be no problems whatsoever with that midfield. Its not quite Fabregas, but he's good enough to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid and he's more than good enough for us. Whether we can convince him to come here over some of the other top clubs is another question.
Ivan Rakitic
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From what I've seen of him he's one of the top 5 midfielders in La Liga this season, without a shadow of a doubt.
He would instantly improve us.
I reckon if he's available it's a no brainer to get him.
He would instantly improve us.
I reckon if he's available it's a no brainer to get him.
You're kidding me, right?
He's arguably been one of the top 5 players in la liga this season let alone midfielders, after the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Diego Costa and debating between Rakitic, Neymar, Bale, Sanchez, Fabregas, etc. Obviously thats form and basing it on the season which isnt quite the same as being one of the top 5 players period.
I wonder if Atletico would put in a big bid for him in the summer, that could give them a big leg up in terms of closing the gap in squads with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
I wonder if Atletico would put in a big bid for him in the summer, that could give them a big leg up in terms of closing the gap in squads with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
What are Bale and Neymar doing in that list? Both have average season.
Average seasons of top players doesnt mean they havent contributed among the best when they've actually played. Bale has had too many injuries, when hes played he has 10 goals and 9 assists in 14 starts. Neymar 7 goals 13 assists in 13 starts. Sanchez has been better than him but not too much in it.
There are at least five better performers(and looking by just this season players) in Real Madrid than Bale this season, and there are few in Barcelona who have been better than Neymar too, and then you have few lads from Atletico Madrid too, no way they should be named top players in this season looking by their form(which you said) and their performances in general.
Impressing in the second half vs Rayo.
Just bagged another assist with a fine free-kick for Coke to head home.
Moments before that he orchestrated and finished a very nice move with a left footed strike that the Rayo GK saved well enough.
Just bagged another assist with a fine free-kick for Coke to head home.
Moments before that he orchestrated and finished a very nice move with a left footed strike that the Rayo GK saved well enough.
Our set pieces would be pretty formidable with Rakitic, Mata, RVP and Rooney...Koke has got quite a few assists from FKs too I believe.
Atletico probably
I doubt anyone would get near them other than Rooney and RVP though. We've had other players who took very good set pieces at other clubs who dont get a look in here.
Basically, I watch Rakitic and think 'good player, bit of a fanny' which doesn't seem like what we need.
And yes, I am firmly of the belief that our attacking players are good enough, and that United's problems are with giving them the right platform in games.
Wouldn't a midfield player who's comfortable in possession, can pick a pass and doesn't panic when someone tries to take the ball off him be a good start towards building that platform, then?
He's also quite mobile which would be a welcome change.
10 goals, 10 assists in la liga alone. Already beaten last seasons stats of 8 goals, 10 assists.
The guys exactly what we need, a goal threat in central midfielder and a superb technical player. He's like Modric back in the day but with far better end product. I'd take him over Koke.
The guys exactly what we need, a goal threat in central midfielder and a superb technical player. He's like Modric back in the day but with far better end product. I'd take him over Koke.
Clearly has great stats but what kind of midfield system do Sevilla play and what kind of midfield partners does he do well with?
They play 4-2-3-1. Rakitic plays as part of the 2 deeper midfielders but has also played as the AM behind the striker. He plays alongside M'Bia (The DM from QPR), generally he plays alongside a guy that tackles as Rakitic like Clev/Carrick prefers to intercept the ball than tackle (still tackles mind, same rate as Clev/Carrick). The important thing with Rakitic though is that he can spot a key pass, his key pass stats are extremely high, hence his high assists. RVP/Rooney would thrive on his service.
Thank you. So at the very worst he'd be a Cleverley upgrade and at best, a perfect replacement for an aging Carrick? Sounds good to me.
I think he's probably a bit better than Koke now, but Koke is 22 and doesnt get too many chances in CM. When he has played there this season hes done very well and convinced me theres no worries at all in playing him there. I dont think it matters though, there's no way we could attract Koke to come here right now. The best player at Sevilla? Thats doable.
I don't watch La Liga but hasn't Modric been great this season? Thought I seen loads of pundits and journalists saying how good he's been this season.
Seen this on insidespanishfootball. That site any good?
Modric has been better than the previous season where he was poor. So a return to form for him yes. Rakitic has been better than Modric ever was.
Oh right, makes sense. Better than Modric ever was?
Sign him up, I loved Modric at Spurs. Alongside Carrick would our midfield still be a bit lightweight? I think that is one of the biggest problems with our midfield at the moment. Too much open space and no one is imposing and mobile enough to cover the gaps and we see things like that Sidwell goal all too often. What it Rakitic's mobility and speed on the ball like? We've been linked a lot with William Carvalho, they might be a good partnership.
Oh right, makes sense. Better than Modric ever was?
Alongside Carrick would our midfield still be a bit lightweight? I think that is one of the biggest problems with our midfield at the moment. Too much open space and no one is imposing and mobile enough to cover the gaps and we see things like that Sidwell goal all too often. What it Rakitic's mobility and speed on the ball like? We've been linked a lot with William Carvalho, they might be a good partnership.
I mean Modric specialised in controlling the game and making passes. He's back to doing that at Madrid this season. Rakitic has done it for Sevilla whilst also scoring the goals Modric has never added. So I think its fair.
I dont think Rakitic is on the right side of average when it comes to speed, but he's not a small lightweight player and he'll run about a bit. I'm hoping after yesterday Fellaini can put a run together and show he can do most of what you're talking about. Earlier in the season he definitely didnt... so fingers crossed
Whoscored's article
Player Focus: Ivan Rakitic - The Driving Force in Sevilla's Midfield
by Ben McAleer at Monday, Feb 24 2014 16:45
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Three players have dominated the Primera División title race this season - Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa. The former may have missed a substantial chunk of the campaign through injury, but has returned to action with aplomb, landing the WhoScored man of the match award in 8 of his last 13 competitive appearances.
Their exploits on the pitch mean Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are currently locked in a 3-way battle to secure La Liga glory. Looking beyond the trio however, a number of players have excelled in Spain’s top tier this term, and none more so than Ivan Rakitic. The midfielder has won plenty of adulation and deservedly so, with a series of fine performances for Sevilla.
Only Messi (8.38) and Ronaldo (8.14) have garnered a higher WhoScored rating than Rakitic (7.79) in La Liga thus far, highlighting just how impressive a campaign he’s enjoying. The 25-year-old enhanced his credentials further with an assist in Sevilla’s 1-0 away win at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, his 8th of the season. Compared with the rest of the league, only Cesc Fábregas (12), Carlos Vela, Gareth Bale and Koke (all 9) have registered more assists than the Croat.
Also with 10 goals to his name, Rakitic has made a name for himself as one of the finest in his position in Europe, with an ability to find the net from deep helping his value soar. As a result, it’s little shock to note he’s on the verge of signing a new deal at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. While this should see speculation surrounding his future come to an end, it is suggested that his minimum fee release clause will plummet from €40m to €25m.
While potential suitors would have been deterred by Sevilla’s reluctance to sell for anything less than the original value, watchful eyes are suddenly being cast across southern Spain with the business end of the season and the summer transfer window fast approaching. Interest in Rakitic could well increase further, given that he is also expected to play a starring role for Croatia at the World Cup, so interested parties will be keen to move for the midfielder sooner rather than later.
Should teams match the release clause in his contract, it’s fair to say they’d be landing one of the best all-round midfielders in the game at present. His assistance in the defensive third has seen the midfielder develop a WhoScored strength of ‘defensive contribution’ and it’s little wonder when analysing this aspect of his game. Rakitic is currently averaging 2.2 tackles and 2 interceptions per game, with the midfielder clearly exhibiting a fantastic reading of the game on a consistent basis as he strives to limit the opposition attacks.
An awareness of his surroundings means only Almeria (21.5) are averaging more interceptions per game than Sevilla (19.6), with Rakitic evidently matching the requirements of manager Unai Emery. With the team able deny the opposition from forging goalscoring opportunities, they have gained a statistically calculated strength of ‘stealing the ball from the opposition’.
Averaging 47.7% possession in La Liga, the need for a player to capitalise on the team winning the ball is essential and with Rakitic averaging the most key passes per game (2.7) in La Liga, he’s able to maximise Sevilla's chances, with his vision a real asset when it comes to creating goalscoring opportunities. However, his ability from deadball situations is where the 25-year-old shines, with the midfielder executing the most key passes from set pieces (40) and the most accurate corners into the box (39) in La Liga this term. Moreover, of his 8 assists, 7 have come from set pieces, that figure again more than any other player in Spain’s top tier.
His goalscoring ability means he has directly contributed to 41.9% of Sevilla’s 43 league goals this season, a return that only 4 players can better. Clearly, Rakitic’s capability both on and off the ball has seen the list of admirers grow and unsurprisingly so. While his indiscipline has landed him in hot water with officials this season - he has received 7 yellow cards - his displays in the heart of the midfield overshadow his ruggedness, with potential suitors unlikely to be discouraged by this aspect of his game.
Though the Spanish outfit will be loathe to losing their prized asset in the summer, Rakitic’s highly impressive performances for an underperforming Sevilla side are likely to see his stock rise further between now and the end of the campaign. Interest from a number of Europe’s big hitters comes as little shock to those who have witnessed Rakitic this term and if he can continue his form between now and May, €25m for a player of his capability would be a steal for any team.
I like him from what I've seen, and hope we are interested. That 7 of his 8 assists have come from set-pieces might be a tad concerning though because he will have to fight it out with Rooney, RvP and Mata (and little Adnan trying to get in) to take them.
Doesn't the resemblance to Boudewijn Zenden bother anyone?
Seville's new owner is very rich. He will get any contract he wishes to stay and get the club moving back up the league. Looks handy, mind.
Must be that, no way anyone else would say he is telling the truth.
If you want to talk about Mr. Zidak, I suggest opening a new topic. Thanks.
Only if you hated Zenden.....
Nobody on cafe knows shit about Zidak, so I don't see any point in opening thread to discuss someone only me and you heard about.
Btw, this is what Croatia thinks about Zidak(on biggest Croatian forum), so I really don't see any point in discussing about Zidak anyway:
http://www.forum.hr/showthread.php?t=178812
As for his inside information, 15 days ago he wrote an article about Halilovic clearly not going to Barcelona, and yesterday he signed for them.
This transfer makes too much sense for Man United and for David Moyes. Instead, lets see if we can buy a diamond in the rough like Bebe or a player that obviously wants to join us like Fabregas. Oh and strikers! Forget midfield, you can never have enough strikers!
Fellaini?
Croatian press reporting that Liverpool are trying to convince Rakitic to join them for only 15 mllion! Rakitic has said in recent months that he's very happy at Sevilla though. So might be a hard nut to crack.
http://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/ra...milijuna-funti-i-mladog-spanjolca/735785.aspx
He's currently on 11 goals and 11 assists in La Liga according to Transfermarket.
http://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/ra...milijuna-funti-i-mladog-spanjolca/735785.aspx
He's currently on 11 goals and 11 assists in La Liga according to Transfermarket.
You just know for £15M he would join and rip up the league, and we wall all be standing around scratching our heads, wondering why we were not interested.
Outstanding tonight in Sevilla's win over Real Madrid. Upstaged his countryman Modric
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