Jose Mourinho has described reported Manchester United target Ivan Rakitic as “one of the most underrated players in the world”.
United have been linked with a potential £39m move for Barcelona midfielder Rakitic in the summer.
The 30-year-old has two years remaining on his current contract in Spain, but the Catalan club have so far been reluctant to negotiate an extension on improved terms.
Rakitic remains an important part of Ernesto Valverde’s side with 39 appearances this season, including a goalscoring turn in the 1-0 El Clasico win over Real Madrid on Saturday.
Mourinho was on punditry duty for that game, and was impressed with the Croatian.
“Before I leave, let me say something,” he told beIN SPORTS. “I’ve wanted to say this for a long, long time: Ivan Rakitic is one of the most underrated players in the world.
“I just wanted to finish on that because normally we speak about the big names.”
Mourinho then started talking about Instagram. Good morning, Paul Pogba.
“For me, Rakitic needs to improve his Instagram and his social media because in this moment this is very important and he is not very good on that, he is good on the pitch.
“He’s a fantastic player at every level. He does defensive work on the right hand side to compensate Messi, he runs miles.
“In ball possession, he’s fantastic, he’s simple, and he’s effective. He is one of the most underrated players.”