The subject of today’s scouting report, brought to you in association with
Championship Manager, is Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic – the 21 year old Schalke 04 midfielder often compared in style to former Czech Republic playmaker Pavel Nedved. And to make things even more interesting, he is said to be available for transfer, and interesting the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as Serie A sides Juventus, Inter Milan and Palermo.
Ivan Rakitic
Date of Birth: 10th March 1988
Nationality: Croatian
Club: FC Schalke
Position: Midfielder/Attacking Midfielder (Right)
Career History
Ivan Rakitic was born in Switzerland to Croatian parents, and started his career at Swiss side FC Basel, then managed by former Spurs boss Christian Gross, making his senior debut in the 2005/06 season. However it the following season in which Rakitic impressed most, playing 33 matches and scoring 11 goals as Basel lifted the Swiss cup - he was subsequently voted the best young player in the Swiss Super League. These plaudits attracted interest from big European clubs, and on June 2007 he signed for Schalke 04, seen as a replacement for Brazilian playmaker Lincoln, who had departed for Galatasaray.
Despite having represented the Swiss national team at youth level, he opted to play for his parent’s homeland Croatia, and received his first call up from Slaven Billic for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia in Zagreb in September 2007. Rakitic claimed it was the hardest decision he had made in his whole career, and it was one met with much criticism and resentment in Switzerland.
Playing Style
Rakitic generally plays in an attacking midfielder role and is a technically gifted player with good pace and an eye for goal. He possesses great movement and is capable of quickly driving forward to forge attacks, as well as slowing things down and retaining possession. At only 21 Rakitic has a great future ahead of him and has the potential to become one of Europe’s finest midfield players.
Strengths
The Croatian has a good range of passing and understands the game pretty well. His intelligent runs off the ball allow him to break into dangerous areas, making him a tangible goal threat from midfield. He can also play with both feet, and is adept at shooting from range and delivering dangerous set-pieces.
Weaknesses
He is not the strongest physically, and sometimes struggles to cope with the rough-and-tumble of the more heated matches. He will also need to perform more consistency, as well as working on the defensive side of his game, if he is to really make an impact on the continental stage.
What Next?
According to recent reports in the German media, Schalke have to offload all their top players, Rakitic included, due to their difficult financial situation, so a move could be in the offing sooner rather than later.
The Croatian has been linked to a number of Serie A teams, including Inter Milan, Palermo and Juventus – the latter of whom may see him as a replacement for Czech great Pavel Nedved, as well as Premier League sides Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Talentspotter ratings
• Shooting 7.3
• Passing 7.4
• Heading 5.3
• Tackling 5.1
• Pace 7.4
• Work-rate 7.3
• Crossing 7.5
• Creativity 7.5
• Dribbling 7.7
• Overall 7.2
