Andoni Zubizarreta, Sandro Rosell's sporting director, sacked by Josep Maria Bartomeu, was absolutely convinced about two things. One was to sign Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The other was not to let Ivan Rakitic escape from Sevilla to Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and various other Premier League sides. Barcelona bought him for €18million and €3m more in variables.



"He plays in the centre of the pitch, he can be an eight or a ten, but the pivot as well. He has great diversity, to fit these positions. He's a consistent player, competitive. His time at Sevilla gave him the character to be the captain. He has a great shot from outside the box and, in fact, we have suffered it at Barcelona. He fits perfectly in our idea of play," said Zubizarreta about Rakitic.

Toni Frieros

Andoni had other options. For example, Reus or Gundogan. However, Rakitic knew Spanish football and played well in La Liga. Moreoever, he is married to a Spaniard, and the probability he would adapt well to life in Barcelona was high.

Although he was not asked for by Luis Enrique specifically, the Croat captures perfectly the Asturian's playing philosophy. He asks his men for the maximum effort, competitiveness and, of course, the highest level of performance both individually and as a team.

Rakitic arrived to fill Cesc Fabregas' place, after he went to Chelsea. In fact, he inherited his number, and has been a key part of Luis Enrique's project. He has started 21 of the 30 league games that he has played in, and eight of nine in the Champions League.

From when Deco signed for FC Barcelona in the 2004-05 season, no other central midfielder has played as many minutes in official games for Barcelona in their first year as Rakitic. Not even Busquets, or Yaya Toure. He fits Zubi's "instant performance" slogan well.

Just one period of the season left us with doubts about Rakitic. is level dropped a bit near the start, and he made do with a substitute performance against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. For the rest of the big games he's been in Enrique's team - for example against Manchester City and PSG in the Champions League.

Rakitic is like a lot by the technical body at Barcelona, for, among other things, his great tactical discipline. He is a player that knows he has to cover his full-back, which is normally Alves, to minimise the defensive risk when the Brazilian runs forward. He is an excellent squire for the defender.

His great physical capacity, moroever, allows him to cover a lot of the pitch, to be the backbone of the team. Sacrifice and humility are his watch-words, and he never looks to shine alone. He is always thinking of the team before himself.

Another test of how much Luis Enrique values him, is when the coach rests him in games that aren't hugely important or difficult, for example against Getafe earlier this week. Enrique knew that important games, like that against Bayern Munich, are coming.

The core of the team is Rakitic, Busquets and Andres Iniesta, untouchable in the best moments of the season, and who have helped the team fight for three titles. If Rijkaard had Deco to rely on in his first year, and Guardiola Busquets, Enrique has shown that Rakitic is his player. The numbers do not lie.