This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

During the summer, Barcelona finally sealed the deal to bring the young Dutchman, Frenkie de Jong, to the Catalan capital.

And with such a big talent slotting into their midfield, it was obvious someone had to drop out. Ivan Rakitic spoke to Mundo Deportivo back in May and he was convinced De Jong’s arrival wouldn’t affect his status in the slightest.

What did he say?

The changing of the guard is nothing unusual in football.

There comes a time in every professional player’s career when he has to accept that he’s past his prime and ready to hang up the boots. Rakitic, however, didn’t really feel like he was at that point in his career when news of De Jong’s arrival was rife in the media.

And granted, with 31 years on his back, he’s maybe not ready for retirement but thinking that De Jong’s acquisition would not affect his role in Barcelona was foolish, to say the least.

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When talking to Mundo Deporivo, the Croatian midfielder was confident nothing would change for him.

Here’s what he said back then:

“First of all, there is a young boy who is playing very well and I am glad that the club continues to strengthen. Every good player that can arrive, [I’m] delighted. But also everyone has their place,” he continued. “He arrives but I am convinced that he will not arrive for my position, my position is occupied.”

A fall from grace

Needless to say, those are the words Rakitic probably regrets saying to his day.

But seeing how the Croatian was indeed Ernesto Valverde’s most used player in the 2018/19 campaign, it’s not surprising that he would indeed say something like that.

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But not only did De Jong slot right into Barcelona’s starting XI but he also sent Rakitic packing onto the bench.

The difference is staggering, to say the least.

After nine matchdays in La Liga and three in the Champions League, the Dutchman has played a total of 978 minutes across all competitions for the Blaugrana, starting in 11 out of 12 games. The Croatian, on the other hand, can only boast with 203 minutes and just one start in eight games he played up until that point in time.

Needless to say, De Jong did end up coming exactly for his place and now, Rakitic might even be heading out of the club in the not so distant future with some reports suggesting Italy might be his next destination.

And it all seemed rather unlikely just a couple of months ago.

Life comes back at you fast, doesn’t it?