World Cup 2018: 5 world-class registas expected to shine in Russia

#3 Ivan Rakitic (Croatia)

The blonde genius will be key to Croatia's aspirations

Often criticized by some ignorant Barcelona fans, Rakitic will be a key player for the Vatreni (Blazers) who have the look of tournament dark horses.

He is a baller tailor-made to occupy that crucial regista spot for his country as his passing ability has helped the team to bypass a stubborn midfield in certain matches.

One of his biggest strengths is his technical ability in possession. He strikes the ball well; his passing is regular, purposeful and inventive (long range and short) and he can take on a player or two with a quick change of pace and forward motion.

This means he can be trusted to carry the ball forward in certain situations (interchanging with captain and fellow world-class midfielder Luka Modric) where an extra runner in the middle is needed, an asset that would be of great value to Croatia in tight games. The star midfielder has the unique ability to be always available to receive possession which then becomes a means of keeping the opposition pinned back.

With the stylish Modric as well as other players like Marcelo Brozovic, Milan Badelj and Mateo Kovacic named in the Croatian squad to the Mundial, manager Zlatko Dalic has a wealth of midfield options few nations can compete with.

With trickery and pace down the flanks in the form of Ivan Perisic and Marko Pjaca and the overlapping runs of fullbacks like Sime Vrsaljko, Rakitic’s vision will be crucial in getting the team on the front foot particularly against opponents expected to defend deep like Nigeria and Iceland in Group D at the Mundial.