Rakitic's Eventual Downfall !!

The Former Sevilla Ace hailed to be the successor of Xavi is having a tough time at Camp Nou.

Before we talk about Rakitic's  downfall at the Nou Camp, I would like to relieve you all with the expectations he was brought in for. The Club knew that Xavi's last season for Barca will be 2014-2105. Luis Enrique was informed about it and he needed to make a big effort in signing a player of the same potential of Xavi. Although replacing Xavi is impossible, Ivan Rakitic was signed in for the club to unburden some of Xavi's loss as a player.

The season 14-15 started well for Rakitic. The man from Sevilla was quickly accustomed to the Barca ways. Luis Enrique trusted him and he was given the starting role beside Iniesta and Busquets in the midfield. Rakitic was a key man in our Treble Victory. He was given an attacking job more than defending. Being a box to box midfielder, Rakitic had to come deeper in his own half to help the team defend in right side of the field along with Dani Alves. Alves being a superb RB never loaded too much of defensive duties on Rakitic. Things went well in the 1st season for Rakitic. He established himself at the club and fans loved him and wanted to see him in the RCM role after Xavi's departure.

However it was the 2nd season for Rakitic at Barca where all his miseries seemed to have started. The Club wanted a RB as Alves was fading and inconsistence with his performance at the Club. Alves wasn't offering much, as a result Rakitic had to defend and attack equally now. He was given the duty to track back the Counter attacks when the RB was out of position. Sergi Roberto was still adaoting in his RB position when Alves left the club. Rakitic's performance in the 15-16 season dropped a bit , and fans didn't notice too much about it.

It was all in season 2016-2017 that Rakitic was benched a lot for his poor performance for the club. With Sergi Roberto as the RB, the club had too much of defensive issues as a result Rakitic had to cut down his attack minded game. He had to defend the right side of field with Sergi Roberto. Rakitic was too tired at times while defending that he had nothing to contribute in attack. The tactical error from the coach cost Rakitic his performance and he was relegated to bench for a major part of the season. Giving Rakitic a defensive duty is just like asking an electrician to mend pipes and leakages. This is how Rakitic's eventual downfall for Barca can be accounted. The problem will be solved only after we sign a good RB again.

Thank You.