Sevilla 2-4 Barcelona: Hits and flops | LaLiga 2018-19

#2 Hit: Ivan Rakitic

Rakitic was as influential in deciding the result as Lionel Messi

The Croatian midfielder is not a fan favourite among the Barcelona fanbase. People are very quick to point out that he isn't a very creative midfielder, relies heavily on backpasses and side passes, and he doesn't take many risks. Maybe that's why people were overjoyed to see him linked with Inter Milan and PSG in the summer and also at the rumours of him leaving.

Here is the thing, this guy provides the stability that a team might need in situations like yesterday. Sevilla pressing whenever they get the chance, passing quickly amongst each other, and almost every Barcelona player under pressure from the press.

Even Sergio Busquets lost possession twice in the game. Under the dire circumstance, only one Barcelona midfielder did not lose possession even once, and also he did not play any pass to players under pressure, that is Rakitic.

He constantly went down the central area and the half-space to help out with the offence. He always tracked back and helped defensively, making three interceptions. He assisted Messi's first goal with as great a cross as the goal turned out to be.

It was off his left foot and he picked Messi out with precision. How did they get the second goal? Vaclik gave the ball away and Rakitic reads it before any other player on the pitch, picks Dembele well, moves into the box and gives the defence enough to think about before Messi picks his spot before finishing.

If you weren't supporting this guy due to his backpasses, don't enjoy now because he won Barcelona the game, in a way you guys don't like, by not taking risks.