While the World is going gaga over a certain Luka Modric, the current Ballon d’Or holder, Croatia has another genius in the midfield, namely Ivan Rakitic. Rakitic has come through the ranks of brilliant coaching academies at Basel, Sevilla and now Barcelona. He sure is capable of scoring some screamers and that too off both feet. Let us take a look at Ivan Rakitic’s Top 5 Goals.
5. FC Barcelona v Bate, 2016-17 UEFA Champions League
Rakitic gives the credit for this goal to Lionel Messi but his stunning strike from distance against Champions League minnows Bate was a moment of true brilliance in a game where the Catalans were truly lacking the spark to break down a watertight Bate defense.
4. FC Barcelona v Deportivo, 2016-17 La Liga
Barcelona were leading 1-0 in a sticky game against Deportivo at home when Rakitic decided to go for it off a loose ball that fell kindly for him right outside the box.
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The shot was struck with the outside of the foot and made for spectacular showing as it beat the goalkeeper.
3. FC Barcelona v Levante, 2017-18 La Liga
Another Camp Nou special from the Croatian. The minnows were already struggling 1-0 down at 43 minutes thanks to an early Luis Suarez strike.
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Ivan Rakitic smashed home from range, one of the most stunning strikes he has ever scored from distance to make it 2-0 for Barca.
2. Real Madrid v Sevilla FC, 2013-14 La Liga
Probably the match that made Barcelona turn their attention towards Rakitic in the first place, this was a splendid showing from him at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With Sevilla trailing 5-2 away to their fierce rivals, Rakitic finished with his left foot – a finish that defied explanation.
1. FC Barcelona v AS Roma, 2017-18 UEFA Champions League
Without doubt this has to be the best of Rakitic’s long-rangers in a Barcelona shirt. The midfielder received the ball on the right flank and smashed from over 35 yards out with the perfection you might expect of a Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
The goal restored Barca’s lead and gave them breathing space in a crucial continental game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P9lRk73iO8