Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla)

Ivan Rakitic flattered by Liverpool and may leave Sevilla

Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic has admitted he is flattered to be linked with a move to Liverpool.

The Croatia international is reportedly attracting interest from Anfield and he has now reiterated his stance that he will only stay with the Primera Liga side if they bolster their squad.

"I'm really flattered that I'm being linked with such a big club like Liverpool," Rakitic told 24sata.

"I heard that something is happening, but for now there is no concrete offer.

"My brother, who is taking care of my career, is doing all the business about my future.

"But I will repeat what I said before: I will only stay at Sevilla if they will strengthen the team.

"I made it quite clear about that and they know that they have to buy some good players."

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11669/8770315

Wow, I'm excited about this one more than the links with Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Is he good? Never watched him before.

Whats he like? Heard of him but never seen him play? Defensive MF?

He is all rounder midfielder (if you know what I mean). He can score, dominate midfield area and can tackle. 

"I'm really flattered, but just after a new contract at Sevilla"

It's like full on S & M behaviour in the summer, trying to link us with plenty of players who probably won't sign for us!

What has been heartening so far this summer is that most of our targets, Aspas, Alberto and this guy have all said or implied that they couldn't turn down the opportunity to come to Liverpool. 

We haven't had that for a long time.

I became a huge of Rakitic in the Euro a few years ago, thought he was great then, and expected him to become a huge player after a few years. That might not have happened as I thought, but he still became a very good midfielder and just had one of his better seasons at Sevilla. I think he was originally an attacking midfielder but has converted into more of an all round CM. I guess we could use him in both positions. Sevilla are in financial trouble so it's not an impossible target.

I became a huge of Rakitic in the Euro a few years ago, thought he was great then, and expected him to become a huge player after a few years. That might not have happened as I thought, but he still became a very good midfielder and just had one of his better seasons at Sevilla. I think he was originally an attacking midfielder but has converted into more of an all round CM. I guess we could use him in both positions. Sevilla are in financial trouble so it's not an impossible target.

A very decent midfielder, box to box style so could do a job here...if it doesn't work out, at least he'll hold his value...
 

There's probably not much in this, but it's nice to be linked to players in the ilk of Rakitic. Not you're typical big name players, but guys who are actuallu pretty good players. He had a really good season last year. For what it's worth, WhoScored listed him as playing CAM 25 times.

Would rather have Ivan in the team then Luis Alberto. He will bring balance to the midfield and add much needed technical abillity very good with his feet and can pick a pass. In combination with Coutinho he could be devastating had a great season at Sevilla nothcing up his highest goal tally alternating between a deeper CM role and a slightly advanced one playing off the shoulder of Negredo at times.

My only gripe with the lad is he lacks pace but then Xabi wasn't the quickest player either.

I know this doesn't mean anything at all but I just thought about him today and think that Rakitic is a similar type player in terms of attributes to Alberto Aquilani. Maybe without the injuries though hopefully.

Both not the quickest, creative types, seem to have good shots on them, play always through the center, not very good on the dribble, and both have eyes for a pass. Decided to look up their numbers and interestingly enough came out with these results.

Aquilani
Goal every 261.75 minutes
Assist every 299.14 minutes

Rakitic
Goal every 353.33 minutes
Assist every 282.67 minutes

No implication or anything here about Rakitic as I actually think he'd be a be a very good addition at the right price, just found that to be a bit interesting to think about. Difference between the two is also that Ivan played around 4000 minutes while Aqua only around 2000.