Five replacements for Ivan Rakitic

Ivan Rakitic’s time at Barcelona is seemingly coming to an end. The Croatian midfielder, who arrived from Sevilla in 2015, has played a massive part in helping the Blaugrana maintain a stranglehold over the LaLiga. He also helped Barca win a treble in his debut season at the Nou Camp.

However, the Catalan giants have lots of riches when it comes to the midfield. With Rakitic growing no younger as days pass by, they are close to letting the 31-year-old leave. The emergence of Arthur Melo and the signing of Frenkie de Jong from Arthur Melo heralds the era of a new midfield at the club. And as such, it is time for the old guard to stand down.

With Rakitic leaving, Barcelona will require able fresh legs to replace him in the dressing room. In that case, here are 5 players who can fill his boots at the Nou Camp.

#1 Houssem Aouar (Lyon)

Barcelona don’t need to get introduced to Lyon starlet Houssem Aouar. The Frenchman has already given the Spanish giants a peek into his locker during their Champions League clash with Lyon last season.

Barcelona had shown a keen interest in signing the 21-year-old back in February. The midfielder also revealed that he learnt much of the game by watching former Barcelona players and legends, Xavi and Iniesta. As a matter of fact, he has based his game on the one ability that is valued the most at the Nou Camp – passing.

Aouar averages a pass accuracy of 90.8% and would be a treat to watch in a midfield trio alongside Frenkie de Jong and Arthur Melo. He also represents a long-term solution for Barca given that he is still 21. #2 Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich)

Corentin Tolisso easily walks into any list about the top ten central midfielders in the world at the moment. The Frenchman joined in Bayern Munich as the club’s record signing for €41m. He has impressed massively in the red shirt at the Allianz Arena since his move to Germany from Lyon in 2017.

Tolisso would also fit seamlessly at Barcelona, given his good vision and exquisite passing abilities. He is also well-adept at holding the ball and has proven to be a threat from distance.

Tolisso will turn 25 in August, meaning he is just entering his prime. He will prove to be a fine like-to-like replacement for Ivan Rakitic given that both play in similar positions for their respective clubs.#3 Marco Veratti (Paris Saint Germain)

Barcelona aren’t used to being eluded by players they mark as possible transfer targets. Marco Verratti, however, is a long-term target they have failed to lay their hands upon.

The Catalans tried to sign the Italian midfielder for the past two seasons but to no avail. Now aged 26, the deep-lying playmaker has become a mainstay at the Parc des Princes. He joined Les Parisiens in 2012 from Pescara and has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world.

Verratti notches a pass accuracy of 90% and also offers a good defensive asset to his team. If the Catalans do try to acquire his services, he definitely won’t come cheap.#4 Christian Eriksen (Tottenham)

Ever since Christian Eriksen expressed his desire to leave Tottenham in search of a new challenge, Europe’s elite clubs are on red alert. The Dane has established himself as one of the best playmakers in a Premier League and a player every big club would love to have.

Barcelona have also been linked with a move for Eriksen. The Catalan giants regard him as the perfect heir to Ivan Rakitic in the midfield.

In comparison to his Barcelona counterpart, he offers more creativity, versatility and threat from a deeper position. Eriksen scored 10 goals and dished out 12 assists for  Tottenham in the Premier League last season.

Barcelona will no doubt gain a brilliant player if they manage to snap up the 27-year-old. However, buying him also means they will have to empty a massive chunk from their coffers, as Tottenham definitely won’t let him go away for a cheap price.#5 Coutinho (Barcelona)

Barcelona spent a fortune of £142m to poach Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool in January last year. However, the Brazilian has miserably failed to live up to his price tag at the Nou Camp. But, Ernesto Valverde still has a good chance to rectify the errors.

Coutinho mostly operated in a front three alongside Messi and Suarez at times, with first-team opportunities hard to come by. However, deploying him in a deeper role could save Barcelona millions.

Coutinho has already shown he can be at his imperious best while operating in a number 10 role. However, Barcelona’s current tactics do not require him to play in that position, but it would be worth experimenting him in a right midfield position.

The 27-year-old could help to build attacks from a deeper position. He is being linked with PSG in a swap move for Neymar, but who knows, Valverde might have a perfect replacement for Rakitic right under his nose.