Why Ivan Rakitic Deserves Great Praise for His No-Frills Barcelona Role

Sometimes we get trapped by goals and goalscorers.

Things like "MSN" or "BBC" rarely, if ever, are attributed to defenders or central midfielders. Those distinctions are normally reserved for players who score.

Even worse, when watching matches, our attention—when given the freedom—is normally paid to the attacking third, meaning we focus on wingers, central-attacking midfielders and centre-forwards. As a result, the oppositions' full-backs, wing-backs and/or central defenders can get more attention than a supporter's own holding midfielders.

Is this problematic? Not really. It only becomes an issue when players who hold their teams' shape are overlooked for their flashy counterparts. In the world of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta, the Barcelona man suffering from the by-product of albeit-understandable goal worship is Ivan Rakitic.

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Bought from Sevilla two summers ago for an undisclosed fee—thought to be around €20 million, via Sky Sports' Lucas Brown—the Croatia international has become one of Barca's most important players. Along with Sergio Busquets, the 28-year-old central midfielder provides Luis Enrique's side with much-needed balance.

An indispensable member of Barcelona's treble-winning 2014/15 side, Rakitic is able to contribute in attacking areas, but the Croatian's game is tailored to allow Enrique's attacking talent to flourish. Without his vital defensive steel—and subsequent team shape—the Catalans would not be able to play with the freedom they enjoy.

This is not to make Rakitic seem like an out-and-out destroyer; the central midfielder is a brilliant technician, with exceptional on the ball prowess. His technique allows him time, space and vision to find passes then launch attacks from deeper midfield.

Rakitic's biggest compliment is that when he is taken off the pitch, it is noticeable. The only match Barcelona have lost this season when he played the full 90 minutes was against Sevilla—his former club (and it should be noted: In that 2-1 loss, Suarez [2] and Neymar [1] struck the post three times). 

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"

Rakitic is such an selfless footballer. Critical to creating balance. Does so much of the "dirty work." Protected backline over & over

— euler (@euleri) 9 December 2015"

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Taking Xavi Hernandez's starting spot last season, many Barcelonistas were hesitant the then-26-year-old was ready to take on such pressure, but with Xavi aging—chances needed to be given, and Rakitic grabbed his with both hands.

At his former club, he was able to facilitate play, being a conduit from defence to attack, not much has chanced at the Camp Nou. Busquets is more in the Claude Makelele vein, whereas Iniesta is essentially another member of "MSN." A player who could connect Barca's build-up play from their goalkeeper, centre-backs and/or full-backs was crucial, and the Croatian has been exceptional in Xavi's stead (and now absence).

Possessing the intelligence to read plays, locate the ball and get things moving forward, it is certainly possible another player could excel in the role Enrique has bestowed on Rakitic, but there is no point attempting to reinvent success. He has found his position at Barcelona—and is flourishing in it—something many footballers have struggled with over the years.

Rakitic is probably the fourth or fifth name on Enrique's teamsheet with everyone fit—which is a massive compliment.

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It just so happens in football, your importance does not always match your level of appreciation.

Only when things go sideways is attention brought to the more industrious of central midfielders. When their job is done properly, more times, others are the beneficiary.

Some viewers will understand your role's vitality (and the inherent sacrifice thereof), but in the bigger picture, if you are not scoring, assisting, stopping and/or saving goals, you will probably be overlooked.

It's a shame that deservedness—if you believe the concept—isn't always meritocratic.

Follow @danieltiluk

*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase where not noted.