MX23RW : Tuesday, March 11 05:49:55| >> :120:15105:15105:

Ivan Rakitic welcomes Arda Turan competition

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic insists that he is "not worried" about the challenge that Arda Turan will provide for a spot in Luis Enrique's first-choice midfield.

Ivan Rakitic has welcomed the challenge provided by Arda Turan for his spot in the Barcelona midfield in the second half of the season.

Rakitic has been a regular for the Spanish giants this term, but his long-term role is now under threat after Turan was cleared to represent Luis Enrique's side following the expiry of a transfer embargo.

Turan impressed during his La Liga debut against Granada on Saturday and his introduction to the first team has been popular with the supporters.

However, Rakitic, who has also revealed that he is in fresh contract talks with Barcelona, has insisted that he is "not worried" about his place in the first XI.

"I am not worried about Turan's arrival. During this year and half I have proven what I am capable of and how important I am for Barcelona team, so I am not worried for my place in starting lineup," Rakitic told 24 sata.

Croatian international Rakitic scored eight goals last season as Barcelona won La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

ID:263947: cacheID:263947:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2191:
Written by
Matt Law
Restore Data
Share this article now:
FC Barcelona's Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic (R) celebrates a goal during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Deportivo de La Coruna at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on December 12, 2015
Read Next:
Ivan Rakitic reveals contract talks
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona26183571254657
2Real Madrid27176457263157
3Atletico MadridAtletico27168344182656
4Athletic Bilbao271310445242149
5Villarreal26128648361244
6Real BetisBetis2711883533241
7Mallorca27107102633-737
8Rayo Vallecano279992929036
9Celta Vigo27106114041-136
10Sevilla279993236-436
11Real Sociedad27104132328-534
12Getafe2789102322133
13GironaGirona2796123540-533
14Osasuna2671273237-533
15Espanyol2677122537-1228
16Valencia2769123045-1527
17Leganes2769122440-1627
18AlavesAlaves2768133040-1026
19Las PalmasLas Palmas2766153045-1524
20Real ValladolidValladolid2744191862-4416


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!