Ivan Rakitic, from undroppable to invisible

Ivan Rakitic, from undroppable to invisible

Ernesto Valverde (izquierda) e Ivan Rakitic en la previa del Barça-Villarreal
Ernesto Valverde (izquierda) e Ivan Rakitic en la previa del Barça-Villarreal  | Valentí Enrich

The Croatian is the fifth most used midfielder so far, having previously been No 1

Ivan Rakitic used to be essential for Ernesto Valverde, now he's invisible. The Croatian has been one of the most used players at the club since he arrived, first by Luis Enrique and then by Valverde. But after the summer in which he was frequently linked to the exit, and didn't go, he's hardly featured.

Frenkie de Jong's arrival has pushed him out of the side. Rakitic has played 166 minutes out of 720 available, even though he has appeared in five of eight matches. Arturo Vidal and Alena can share his pain.

For now it seems De Jong, Busquets, Arthur is the coach's midfield of choice. 

 2017/18
GAMES PLAYED MINUTES
RAKITIC 55 LEO MESSI 4.468
LEO MESSI 54 LUIS SUÁREZ 4.447
LUIS SUÁREZ 51 TER STEGEN 4.320
BUSQUETS 50 RAKITIC 4.266
PIQUÉ 49 BUSQUETS 4.164
 2017/18
GAMES PLAYED MINUTES
RAKITIC 55 LEO MESSI 4.468
LEO MESSI 54 LUIS SUÁREZ 4.447
LUIS SUÁREZ 51 TER STEGEN 4.320
BUSQUETS 50 RAKITIC 4.266
PIQUÉ 49 BUSQUETS 4.164
 2017/18
GAMES PLAYED MINUTES
RAKITIC 55 LEO MESSI 4.468
LEO MESSI 54 LUIS SUÁREZ 4.447
LUIS SUÁREZ 51 TER STEGEN 4.320
BUSQUETS 50 RAKITIC 4.266
PIQUÉ 49 BUSQUETS 4.164

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