Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez Are Not 'Easy' to Play With, Says Ivan Rakitic

For a midfielder, having an attacking triumvirate of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in front of you sounds like the stuff of dreams. But Barcelona’s man in the middle, Ivan Rakitic, insists it’s not quite as easy as it may sound.

The Croatian, along with the aforementioned trio, was a crucial component in the Blaugrana grabbing treble glory last season, and in an interview with Marca, he admits that while it’s far from simple being the supply line to the three superstars, he relishes the role:

Yes, I do [enjoy playing with Messi, Suarez and Neymar], although a lot of people say that it's easy to play with them and that's rubbish.

They are on another level and we play for them because they have earned it, but that doesn't mean it's easy. You have to get used to doing work on their behalf, and if I have to run 5,000 kilometres so that one of them can have his moment, that's fine by me.

Manager Luis Enrique tinkered with the three-pronged attack for much of late 2014, with the coach trying to integrate Suarez—returning from his suspension—into a system alongside Messi and Neymar. But when the Uruguayan was shifted inside and Messi to the right, the Blaugrana became an attacking force of nature.

As we can see here courtesy of Squawka Football, the goalscoring numbers accrued by the three forwards were sensational:

But as Rakitic notes, there needs to be some underpinning industry further back in the team to accommodate their intricate talents.

Although Suarez is insatiable in his work rate, neither Messi nor Neymar are the greatest when it comes to putting in a defensive shift, leaving the other nine players with a lot of work to do.

Rakitic is a player who relishes that responsibility. After an indifferent start to life in Catalonia, he emerged as the zealous heartbeat of this Barcelona team, as noted by Spanish football expert Rafael Hernandez:

It’s the running, pressing, tackling and chasing lost causes Rakitic refers to when he says playing with the attacking trio is not straightforward. Because as a cerebral midfielder with wonderful passing skills, the intelligent movement of Messi, Neymar and Suarez will give the Croatian so many options.

He admits having Messi is a bit of a luxury, though. “Honestly, yes it is,” said the former Sevilla star. “Every team would love to have Leo, but luckily we've got him and we're going to look after him. He does things that no one else can. And, if we can make him even better, then that's great.”

Ominously for the rest of Europe, this group could get even better next season. After all, it was only January when the front three clicked into gear, Rakitic settled down, and the Barcelona defence found its rhythm again after a midseason lull.

The prospect of a replenished Rakitic and Suarez with a full pre-season under his belt, flanked by Messi and Neymar is a tantalising one for Blaugrana supporters.

Playing with that trio may not be simple for team-mates, but with the mercurial Croatian supplying the bullets, Barcelona make the game look very easy indeed.