Rakitic is relishing his key role under Valverde LaLiga - Barcelona Playing in a deeper position

Looking beyond the superstar goalscorers, Ernesto Valverde has breathed fresh life into the performances of Ivan Rakitic more than any other player.

The Croatian is the unsung hero of the Barcelona midfield, having played the third most minutes this season and having been one of the team's best performers.

Rakitic's heat map against Leganes (attacking from left to right)

Usually a central midfielder who bombs forward into the box looking to split the defence with his passing, Rakitic has changed his focus this season under Valverde.

The ex-Sevilla man is playing deeper, further away from the penalty box and on some occasions he has even spent more time in his own half to become a companion for Sergio Busquets.

Heat map against Athletic Club

Heat map against Chelsea

Helping in attack, Rakitic has notably improved his positioning to win the ball back in the middle of the park and he just keeps getting better.

Barcelona have been looking for someone to provide cover to Busquets for years and when he was injured it turned out that Rakitic is the solution.

With Busquets sidelined, Rakitic took up the role and looked at home playing in a much deeper role than he is accustomed to.

No Barcelona player has run further than Rakitic in the Champions League this season, having covered 83 kilometres to date.

Against Chelsea, he showed just how much ground he can cover.

There was barely a blade of grass that Rakitic did not cover against the Italians.

Having been isolated under Luis Enrique, it was the final piece of proof to show that Rakitic has returned to being one of the most important players in the team.