Gary Lineker endeared himself to the supporters of the Catalan giants by not solely serving to the membership win the Copa del Rey in 1988 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup a 12 months later, however by scoring 51 objectives in three seasons.
Lineker’s four-goal salvo towards Actual Madrid in 1987 didn’t do his fame a lot hurt both, however by the summer time of 1989, he was on his manner out of Spain.
Johan Cruyff’s appointment signalled the tip for the English striker, who was pressured to play out of place on the left wing. Together with his confidence shot, Lineker returned to England to hitch Tottenham Hotspur.
Marcus Rashford’s transfer to Barcelona is arguably one of many extra fascinating transfers of the summer time window up to now.
He joins on a season-long mortgage deal, with Barcelona having an choice to purchase subsequent summer time. If following within the footsteps of Lineker wasn’t daunting sufficient, Rashford will put on the quantity 14 throughout his Spanish sojourn.
That is the quantity made well-known by Cruyff and worn by Thierry Henry. Whether or not it was a deliberate alternative or not by the 27-year-old stays to be seen. If he goes on to perform half of what both Cruyff or Henry managed at Barcelona, it might grow to be a wonderful signing certainly.
Why Hansi Flick wished Marcus Rashford
“Hansi Flick was one other key issue for me to hitch Barca. The conversations I had with him had been very optimistic.” Stated Rashford upon his arrival on the membership.
Final season, Flick’s aspect gained LaLiga and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. Throughout their 60 aggressive video games, the membership scored a fairly exceptional 172 objectives.
The German supervisor was capable of name upon gamers similar to Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Ferran Torres and naturally, Lamine Yamal. Fairly the attacking quartet.
Flick clearly wished some depth forward of the 2025/26 season, with each Yamal and Raphinha enjoying over 4,500 minutes every all through the marketing campaign.
As such, Rashford might be tasked with working on the left wing by Flick, though he could possibly be used to deputise in a extra superior function if required.
Barcelona relied on the genius of Yamal on the precise flank as the primary supply of inspiration final season. Certainly, {the teenager} scored 18 objectives and registered 25 assists final time period (all competitions).
Raphinha did register 59 aim involvements for Barcelona, however he tended to float inside extra typically than Yamal.
As such, Rashford would certainly improve the risk posed down the left hand aspect of the pitch, encouraging the Brazilian to function centrally, the place he’s clearly far more harmful.
The strain might be on the winger to carry out straight from the off at Barcelona, however this stays an exquisite alternative for Rashford to lastly display his skills.
Marcus Rashford has some extent to show at Barcelona
Final season was a case of Jekyll and Hyde for the Manchester-born star. He managed to attain simply seven objectives through the first half of the marketing campaign for the Purple Devils.
Ruben Amorim didn’t fancy him a lot, which means the winger joined Aston Villa on mortgage till the tip of the marketing campaign.
In want of a membership and supervisor that positioned religion in his talents, Villa was the right playground for Rashford. 4 objectives and 5 assists was a greater than acceptable return, however a very powerful factor was that he seemed extra assured.
This was evidenced within the Champions League. Rashford could have performed simply 309 minutes within the competitors for Villa, however he ranked within the prime 4% for profitable crosses (1.75) per 90, together with rating within the prime 14% for touches within the opposition penalty space (6.70) and within the prime 19% for giant probabilities created (2.04) per 90 final season.
His large recreation expertise might be a large bonus for Flick, as to his positional flexibility, with the 27-year-old capable of function both out extensive or as a centre-forward.
Rashford could have endured a number of inconsistent seasons of late, however when he’s match and assured, there isn’t a doubting his talents.
The 2022/23 marketing campaign noticed him rating 30 objectives in all competitions for Manchester United. This was Rashford at his greatest, showcasing his direct working on the opposition, pure tempo, and his want to shoot each time an opportunity offered itself.
A return to this type of kind subsequent season might see Rashford shine with the Blaugrana.
He must enhance his defensive work price on the membership – one thing which Flick mentioned in size with the winger earlier than he signed – if he desires to earn a daily place within the beginning XI.
Given his kind final season and the actual fact he’s arguably within the prime years of his profession, there isn’t a doubt Rashford wants Barcelona greater than the membership wants him.
The following 12 months might both make or break the Englishman’s profession. A transfer to Barcelona is a dream for nearly each participant within the skilled recreation.
Questions could also be requested whether or not Rashford deserved such a transfer. However as confirmed up to now, when at his greatest, the winger is sort of unstoppable.
Barcelona expects greatness from the Englishman. Hopefully the quantity 14 on his again acts as a catalyst for glory subsequent season versus an insufferable burden.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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