Ex-Sevilla boys helped Rakitic settle at Barca

The Croatian midfielder has played nine of Barcelona's 10 La Liga matches so far this season, starting seven times and scoring two goals in his first campaign in the Catalan capital, after three-and-a-half years with Sevilla.

Rakitic was one of seven players signed by Barcelona before the 2014-15 season and he is convinced having joined from another La Liga club has made it easier for him than for the likes of Thomas Vermaelen and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who have never played in Spain before.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1