Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has insisted that 'it is not easy' to play with Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar despite their excellence.

Barca's first-choice front three scored 122 goals between them last season as the Catalan outfit won a famous treble.

However, Rakitic has said that a lot of defensive work is needed to fully release the forwards.

"Many people say that it is very easy to play with them. I don't agree," he told Marca. "They are players of a different level and, if we play for them, it is because they have earned it but that does not mean it's easy - and if I have to run 5,000 kilometres for one of them to have their best moment, I will do it. We do it.

"All teams would like to have Leo but fortunately we have him with us and we will take care of him as best we can. He does things that no-one else can do. Life is easiest with him and, if we can make it even better, perfect."

Rakitic arrived at Camp Nou from Sevilla last summer.