Dubbed as Barcelona's replacement to Xavi Hernandez, Ivan Rakitic has preposterously big boots to fill at Camp Nou. Acting as the key man in Sevilla's surge up La Liga and towards the Europa League trophy last season, the Croatia international's link-up play with Carlos Bacca was wondrous to behold. Hard-working when off the ball and excellent while on it, Rakitic possesses the skill set to be a success story under Luis Enrique. His passing range his impressive, able to cut apart opposition defences from deep areas with early balls. A hooked pass over the top in the build-up to one of Munir's goals in the Gamper Trophy recently evoked shades of Xavi, with Rakitic requiring an excellent season to cement himself a first-team place with the Blaugrana. Based on his importance to Unai Emery's side before the summer, however, Rakitic should have no issue dealing with the pressure.
