While Rakitic was happy to name Neymar as one of the world's best footballers, he also pointed out that a team full of big names doesn't always work out.
In an interview with Croatian publication 'Sportske Novosti', the Barcelona midfielder said: "He is one of the best players in the world, but sometimes the best players in the world don't make the best team.
"We have overcome his departure with collective work. We have worked as hard as possible and have been able to win."
With 'El Clasico' fast approaching, Rakitic joked that a defeat to arch rivals Real Madrid could ruin Christmas.
He added: "One of the two teams will have a sad Christmas... I'm joking!
"It will be great game once again and I'm sure we have a chance of winning it. Winning would be a nice way to finish off the year."
To end with, Rakitic took a moment to comment on Barcelona's Champions League last 16 clash with Chelsea.
"It will be a great tie, like some of the others that have come up. There's uncertainty because it's a long way away, but we'll have to prepare for it really well. We'll work game by game, hoping to win each of them," he concluded.