Ivan Rakitic talks about Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and the current goalkeeping dilemma | OneFootball

Today’s FC Barcelona is unlike the team of the past, and new faces now lead this team forward. Gone are the heroes of the past, and new legends can now be forged and established. Fortunately, Barcelona do not have a shortage of players who want to make their own mark.

With the new names now set to inherit symbols of the past, and others being regarded as being impressive on a whole new level, this team has the potential for greatness. Even last season, under Hansi Flick’s guidance, Barcelona showcased their ability to compete on the highest level again.

Even former midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who recently announced his retirement and even received a message from the club, spoke about these new players and details regarding Barcelona heading into next season in a recent interview.

Rakitic speaks about Barcelona and Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring for Barcelona. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

As quoted by SPORT, Rakitic spoke about the club’s return and how even with a lack of experience they are scaring teams again:

“Yes—and in a beautiful way. Last season, maybe they lacked an experienced leader to push through. But they’re scaring teams in Spain and Europe again.”

Specifically, he was then asked to talk about Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal and just how special he is:

“He’s the future. Let him enjoy, dance, have fun. At 17, we all did the same. He knows he has all our support.”

Moreover, when asked if he would have started in the team that Rakitic played in, which included the likes of Neymar Jr and Lionel Messi on the wings, the Croatian player had this to say:

“He’d have competed with his idol Neymar. It would’ve been tough for anyone. But of course, we’d have loved to have him.”

Comparing Iniesta and Pedri

Aside from just talking about Yamal, Rakitic also had his say about the comparisons between Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta and current maestro Pedri:

“No—Andrés is unique. But Pedri fits Barça perfectly. He understands the game, the positioning. He’s built for this club. And finally, this year, no major injuries—he found rhythm, flow, and joy.”

Interestingly, he was also asked to talk about the current goalkeeping situation at the club, one that involves new signing Joan Garcia and club veteran Marc-Andre Ter Stegen:

“Hansi’s got a big call to make—only one can play. Joan’s talented, but if I have Marc in my team, he plays. He’s the captain, commands respect, and is hugely important. I’m sure Hansi has a plan.”

Ter Stegen’s curious case at the club

Moreover, the former Barcelona player believes that Ter Stegen would not be happy on the bench, and that Hansi Flick will need to set the hierarchy early on:

“No. A top player can’t be a “happy sub.” That doesn’t exist. What matters is setting the hierarchy early—no dragging it out. Hansi will know what to do. But for me, if Marc’s on the team, he starts.”

It now remains to be seen what ultimately ends up happening with this entire issue involving Ter Stegen. For now, at least, reports suggest that the German goalkeeper has no interest in leaving the club, at least not until January. As for Rakitic, he also discussed Barça’s Champions League disappointments of the past in the same interview.