The clash between Real Madrid’s new midfield hope, and Barcelona’s returning central figure, could go a long way to deciding tonight’s La Liga Clasico. The 21-year-old Uruguayan did not start a 2019/20 Madrid game until late September. Two goals and two assists in four La Liga games brought a fans player of the month award for November, with barnstorming displays reminding local pundits of former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard. Meanwhile, at the Camp Nou, Rakitic also started the season on the outside. If I can play, there is no better place to do it than Barcelona.”An excellent Clasico record is another reason why Rakitic must start.

Source: Irish Examiner December 18, 2019 00:01 UTC