A well earned rest
Ivan Rakitic has been left out of the Barcelona squad for the Alaves game. The Croat will have therefore a more than deserved rest so that he can be 100% for the game against Liverpool on Wednesday.
Ernesto Valverde's Barca, like Luis Enrique's Gerardo Martino's, Tito Vilanova's and Pep Guardiola's, revolves around the figure of Lionel Messi.
But, even though he lies in the Argentinian star's shadow, there is another key player for Valverde: Ivan Rakitic.
The Croatian midfielder is indispensable for the ex-Athletic Bilbao coach and the stats show that. But, like any player, the players needs to rest.
Valverde is aware and therefore this Tuesday, just like in Barcelona's trip to Huesca, Ivan will get a well earned rest.
The number 4 has been left out of the Barca squad for the trip to Vitoria and he will not play him until next week's game against Liverpool, according to 'AS'.
Rakitic has played almost 4,200 minutes in the present campaign and any extra effort which can be avoided from here until the end of the season will be done so.
Furthermore, his great form does nothing more than ratify Valverde's idea of keeping him for the important games. Rakitic is one of the players Valverde has most faith in.