Barcelona are on their way home from their tours to Japan and South Korea, bringing many optimistic signals ahead of the new season. Among them is Marcus Rashford's positive start.
Marcus Rashford is just a " Option C" in Barca's bid to sign a left-back after being rejected by Nico Williams, in addition to the high price Liverpool had demanded for Luis Diaz.
During the tour in Asia, Rashford participated in all 3 of Barca's friendly matches. His most notable moment came in the final match against Daegu FC. The English striker scored his first goal for the Catalan team in a 5-0 victory over the representative from Korea.
In the previous 2 matches, Rashford was sent onto the field from the bench as a left winger by coach Hansi Flick. However, in the match against Daegu, he was tested as a center forward and immediately left his mark with a powerful shot from Eric Garcia's cross.
After the match against Daegu FC, it cannot be said that Rashford exploded like at the end of the 2022-2023 season, but at least this striker played well. His performance was enough to convince fans and Hansi Flick. Rashy can completely contribute a lot to Barca's overall play in the coming season. However, it will be difficult for the M.U striker to start, a more suitable tactical backup option.
Barcelona's opening La Liga match will take place on August 16 against Mallorca. From now until then, everything could change, but after 3 friendly matches, fans can see the players that Flick is most trusting.
Only 4 names have started all 3 matches: Joan Garcia, Alejandro Balde, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Of course, Raphinha and Yamal are the two main options in attack. The center forward position played by Robert Lewandowski is the only place that is still open to opportunities.
Barca's coaching staff currently consider Ferran Torres a better replacement for Lewandowski. Torres scored 2 goals against FC Seoul and was given a break in the match against Daegu FC to ensure his fitness.
Therefore, the best chance for Rashford to play in La Liga at the moment is as a reserve for Raphinha on the left wing. This is also the position that Flick's colleagues are targeting Rashford, although they also recognize the English striker's flexible playing ability.
New teammates are also impressed with Rashford's professionalism. The 27-year-old striker has tried very hard to create a good relationship with each person in the dressing room. Jules Kounde - who sat next to Rashford on the flight to Japan said that Rashford made him "remember himself".
On the pitch, Rashford did not try to "make a fuss" or prove anything too quickly. In the first match with 33 minutes against Vissel Kobe, he took the initiative to coordinate with Lewandowski instead of finishing himself. In the next match against Seoul, the "Doctor" continued to connect with Ferran Torres, as the two played close together in the top line.
In the match against Vissel Kobe, there was a typical situation that showed Rashford's determination. In the 64th minute, when Barca lost the ball and was counterattacked, Rashford, despite standing quite far from the situation, immediately returned to the home team's penalty area to block the opponent's right-back from fleeing.
This is the type of effort Hansi Flick always wants from the players. However, there is a problem that Rashford has not been registered to play. Up to this point, with only 9 days left to open La Liga, Rashford has not been registered as an official player of Barca. If he is not registered before the transfer window ends, he will not be able to play until January next year.
Barca affirmed that they believe they will complete all necessary procedures before the 2025-2026 season. In addition to Rashford, the team also had to register 3 other new players: goalkeeper Joan Garcia, young talent Roony Bardghji and veteran Wojciech Szczesny. In addition, Gerard Martin (who previously did not need to register as a young player) now also needs to be added to the first team list.
When asked about the registration status after the match against FC Seoul, Rashford said he was not worried about this at all. The 27-year-old striker believes that the team's leadership will resolve the matter well. His job is to practice hard and be ready when the season starts.
