Ivan Rakitic talks Flick, Xavi, Yamal, Pedri, Ballon d’Or – ‘Surprised with his level’ | OneFootball

Later today, Barcelona will play their final game of the season as they travel to the Basque Country to take on Athletic Club on the final match day of La Liga.

Having already wrapped up the league title in addition to the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, it is safe to say that Barcelona’s season has been a grand success.

After all, they were even just three minutes away from a place in the UEFA Champions League final before allowing it to painfully slip away, and Flick must be given all the credit for the team’s stunning turnaround from last season.

Rakitic speaks on Barcelona

Speaking to The Nation, Barcelona legend Ivan Rakitic spoke about the current team under Flick and how they have outdone all the expectations the world had for them, even just a year ago.

He began by giving full credit to Flick for working out all the aspects needed to make the team competitive again.

“Flick has brought all the elements together and created a strong team, especially in recent months.

Rakitic has nothing but praise for Flick. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

“For me, it’s obvious that  Flick’s evolution  (with Barcelona) clearly started  with Xavi, who brought in young players that are now taking Barça forward, and I think that these young players have been very important.”

He then spoke on the minor lacunae in the team that had to be worked on and spoke highly of the potential the team had if those small errors were fixed.

“They just need to improve on some small details, like what happened against Inter. You can’t concede seven goals in a semi-final.”

“The team is young and will grow more, and if they continue like this, they will have a great team for years to come,” he added.

On Yamal and Pedri

Finally, Rakitic gave his two cents on Lamine Yamal and the magic the youngster is consistently producing on the field.

Rakitic also praised Yamal and Pedri. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“Yamal has to write his own history and path, and I know he will. Let him enjoy himself and dance on the field as he does. We have to enjoy him too.”

“He will leave his own legacy. Let him dance and wear glasses when he wins because he deserves them,” he added, defending the youngster’s showboating.

He also had some words reserved for Pedri, stating, “He,  until now, has been a very good player.

“I think we have the statistics, and Pedri comes up everywhere. Top level the whole season,n and this has to do a lot with the new coach and the staff that have managed all these details.

“We’ve all fallen in love with Pedri, and I’ve been surprised by his incredible level this year. But if we are talking about Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or, Pedri is also there,” he stated.