Barcelona icon reveals reason why Marcus Rashford will thrive in La Liga

Feargal Brennan

Barcelona icon reveals reason why Marcus Rashford will thrive in La Liga image

Marcus Rashford will come into sharp focus in the coming weeks as Barcelona build up to the start of their La Liga title defence.

Hansi Flick led the Catalan giants to a superb trophy treble in his debut season in charge as the former Bayern Munich boss clinched the La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup trophies.

Flick has been cautious in the summer market, with Rashford's season-long loan switch from Manchester United the headline deal, alongside the arrivals of Joan Garcia and Roony Bardghji.

Barcelona retain the option to buy Rashford next summer for £40m, if he impresses in Spain, and the early signs look positive.

The England international has dedicated the off-season period to a dedicated fitness training programme in England and Spain as the final details of his switch were finalised.

Rashford made his debut off the bench in Barcelona's 3-1 preseason opening win over Vissel Kobe and the 27-year-old outlined his confidence over what comes next.

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"I believe Hansi Flick can make me play good football. I will play where the team needs me and try to score goals and create them from those positions."

The importance of the Flick factor has been echoed by Barcelona legend Rivaldo who is full of belief it will work out.

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Rashford netted just two Premier League goals in his loan spell at Aston Villa in the second half of 2024/25 but his historic United numbers remain eye-catching.

From 2019/20 to 2022/23, he scored double figures in the English top-flight in three out of four seasons, and Rivaldo believes Barcelona will see the best of him once again.

"Rashford has been an excellent signing," he told Betfair, via Mundo Deportivo.

"He has everything to excel, and even more so with a great coach at his side, that will help his development.

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"Being in a different league to the English one, I think he'll have more opportunities, more chances to showcase his game and achieve something big. He's a great player, without a doubt.

"Barcelona had a great season last year, so it's normal he'll start on the bench. But, little by little, he'll get into the swing of things, understand how the coach wants to play and adapt. Over time, he'll earn his place,

"Right now, Raphinha is among the five best players in the world, that's why it will be difficult for Rashford to be a starter straight away."

Up next for Rashford and Barcelona is a clash with FC Seoul on July 31 in the South Korean capital.

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Feargal Brennan

Feargal is a content producer for The Sporting News. He has been working with TSN since the start of 2022 after stints with Reach, Amazon UK and Squawka in a nomadic career in the football media pyramid. Always with a keen eye on Arteta's 'Reds' and Kenny's Ireland 'Greens' and a 100% five-a-side penalty record.