The midfielder is one of the most experienced players in the Croatia squad.
Ivan Rakitic – Croatia – Will face Czech Republic, Spain, and Turkey
HITC Sport writers have compiled a list of the top 50 players at Euro 2016, assessing players from across the 24 countries taking part at this summer’s tournament.
Coming in at 23 is Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who will be looking to take his club form into the international arena.
The top players at Euro 2016 1-50: Read the entire list
2015/16: Rakitic has done an excellent job of filling the huge gap left behind by Barca legend Xavi, helping Luis Enrique’s men to the La Liga title on the final day of the season.
His seven goals and two assists have helped prove that opposition need to be worried about the likes of Rakitic and Andres Iniesta, as well as the incredible front three that play ahead of them.
What can we expect?
Croatia go into the tournament arguably with the same expectation with which they seem to go into every competition. While they are not considered to be one of the favourites, their squad has the potential to cause some shocks, and Rakitic will undoubtedly be instrumental if they do end up causing any surprises.
Their attacking depth may not look overly strong, but with Rakitic likely to be pulling the strings alongside Luka Modric, it seems that the likes of Mario Mandzukic and Nikola Kalinic will receive plenty of service.
In what appears to be a very open group, it could be Rakitic’s performances which decide whether Croatia go through, and how friendly their draw for the knockout stages is.
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