Welcome to #EuroRank, a weeklong look at the top 25 players we expect to see at the European Championship. Over 50 ESPN FC experts and writers from across the globe voted, and we're rolling out the results right up to opening day when France plays Romania on June 10.
Why is Ivan Rakitic in the top 25?
As Xavi reached his final season at Barcelona, it was difficult to believe that his club's midfield could ever be as good as when he was in his pomp. Swiss-born Croatia playmaker Rakitic, signed from Sevilla for a bargain €18 million, disproved that in the 2014-15 season as Xavi watched on, and usually from the sidelines as Barca won a Treble crowned by winning the Champions League final in Berlin. His playmaking partnership with Luka Modric for Croatia will be one of the delights of the Euros.
What the experts say about Rakitic:
"Rakitic is a very complete player." -- Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, March 2016.
"He's a great player and I'd be very happy to have him in our team." -- Neymar, speaking after Brazil had beaten Croatia 3-1 in World Cup 2014's opening match.
Career highlight:
He had left Sevilla as an acclaimed captain, but his excellent first season at Barcelona was capped by a goal in the 2015 Champions League final victory over Juventus, where a close-range finish followed link-up play between Neymar and Andres Iniesta.
Stat of the season:
Since he joined the club, no midfielder has scored as many goals (18) or supplied as many assists (17) for Barcelona.
What next for Rakitic after Euro 2016?
Having found such an able replacement for Xavi, Barcelona are unlikely to let him go anywhere as they seek to reclaim the Champions League in 2016-17.
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