15 Assists, 10 Goals: Why This La Liga Midfielder Is Perfect For Manchester United

All season Manchester United have been crying out for a central midfielder who can take the games by the scruff of the neck. Marouane Fellaini was drafted in from Everton in the summer, but has had little impact at Old Trafford, and has missed a lot of the campaign due to injuries and suspensions.

It has lead to Tom Cleverley being involved far more than any United fan would have wanted, but I have marked this player out as the missing piece of the jigsaw.

Ivan Rakitic has it all. The 26-year-old plies his trade with Sevilla in La Liga, and is one of the most creative players in the division.

Able to play in a deep role, a central role or an attacking spot, Rakitic is a silky player who can pick a pass as good as anyone. This season he has played 32 league games and has completed 80% of his passing, but has claimed 10 assists in the time.

For me, he’s most impressive when playing in a number 10 role. He has the touch, the vision and the quick feet needed to supply a striker with chances, and he can also score himself.

This season he has scored 12 league goals, and another three in other competitions and has 60 caps for Croatia.