10 best midfielders in Europe this season

#7 Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona)

Ivan Rakitic has settled in brilliantly at Barcelona

That no one really talks about Xavi other than in reverential terms now hints at the great job that Rakitic has undertaken. He is the perfect type of midfielder for the style that Luis Enrique wishes his Barcelona to play. Rakitic’s hard work and running in midfield is what allows the likes of Messi, Neymar and Suarez to play freely and always be in attacking positions.

His knowledge of the game, understanding of instructions and ability to put them into practice in the blink of an eye is virtually peerless. His contributions to the team in the short time he has been in Barcelona have been many and it doesn’t seem to matter from which position he is asked to play either. The Croat is always in the right place at the right time and his style is a perfect accompaniment to the twinkle-toed Andres Iniesta.

Whether defensively minded, in an attacking role or more centrally, Rakitic is intelligent enough to not only get the best from himself, but also from his colleagues. Rakitic has had 9 goals and 6 assists in yet another solid season.