Hansi Flick has made his opinion about Marcus Rashford clear through the recent starting lineups.
Raphinha went down, and he replaced him with Fermín López, a midfielder, instead of Rashford who was the logical like for like replacement.
Then Lamine Yamal became sidelined, and Roony Bardghj was given two opportunities to show what he’s capable of.
Meanwhile, Rashford continues to be nothing more than an option off the bench at a time when Barcelona needs to decide his future, and if it’s worth trying
to reach a deal with Manchester United on another loan, or with a permanent transfer.
The past three games, Barcelona have put in commendable team performances to secure important victories without their two best attacking players.
Although I am skeptical that Barcelona will go out of their way to bring Rashford back, especially with the manager souring on the player, it’s been a bit disappointing to not see the England international given more chances to prove himself late in the season.
Against Osasuna, we once again saw what Rashford can provide. As Flick and Barcelona ponder market opportunities over the summer, they shouldn’t forget the unique skillset he has.
The problem with Roony is that he doesn’t seem have a final ball. You could say he’s young, and maybe it can be developed, but Barcelona is not a patient club. Rashford, on the other hand, has the technical quality to play in a killer cross, and on multiple occasions this season, it has been the difference between winning and losing.
From set pieces, both corners and free kicks, he is also the best player for the job that Barcelona currently has.
It’s not hard to see why Flick seems to be giving up on him. Rashford continues to be a frustrating paradox.
He has so much ability, and yet seems to be holding back. Why can’t he just put his game into high gear and perform to the incredibly high ceiling that we all know he has?
As a manager, at some point, you give up because you want players you can influence, and who are motivated to give everything. Flick’s philosophy is well known. He demands high intensity, and Rashford hasn’t been reliable enough in that department.
Still, even those of us who have been critical of him, and who have come to the conclusion that Rashford should be a one and done Barcelona player, have to admit that he’s been influential in key moments this campaign. Barcelona have gotten a lot out of this loan deal, and should at a minimum appreciate Rashford for his contributions if this is the end.
I don’t blame Flick for the choices he’s made lately. I would, however, at a minimum, give Rashford playing time down the home stretch. For me, that includes starting him against Real Madrid next week.
If you want to win that game, and of course regardless of the circumstances you always have to win El Clasico if you’re Barcelona, I’d play Rashford on the right wing.
Rashford has the potential to be a Barcelona player in the future, even if it’s just as a role player, but Roony has still yet to show he has the level. Meritocracy should rule the day.
It’s a shame. It’s clear that Rashford wants to be in Barcelona.
Maybe it’s not meant to be.
In the history books, however, when you look back at this season, Marcus Rashford’s impact can’t be denied.
