5 players who deserved to be on the 30 man Ballon d'Or shortlist

#2 Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona)

Barcelona already have 4 players in the Ballon d’Or nominees, but a name who definitely deserves to be on the list is Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic. An integral part of the superb double winning Barcelona side, Rakitic is capable of providing a defence-splitting pass as well as helping out defensively, taking the pressure off his midfield colleagues.

Undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the world, Rakitic is one of the first names on the team sheet for Barcelona. Not the most glamorous player on the pitch, the Croatian is the vital link between defence and attack for the superb Barcelona side.

While the Barcelona team is filled with star names, no player has had more appearances for Barcelona in the last two seasons than Rakitic underlining his importance to Luis Enrique’s side. Blessed with an eye for goal, the Croatian is one of the most complete midfielders in the game.

A worthy successor to Xavi, Rakitic (28) will be looking to continue his good form and play a key role for Barcelona this season.