Marcus Rashford’s latest performance for Barcelona was analysed by Spanish media
Marcus Rashford was on the scoresheet for a second game in a row(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford is continuing to prove his worth to Barcelona as uncertainty surrounds his future ahead of the summer transfer window. The Manchester United forward, currently on loan at the LaLiga champions until the end of the season, is making a strong case for a permanent move with his impressive performances.
Rashford netted Barca’s third goal in their 3-1 victory over Elche on Saturday, helping to restore their four-point advantage over Real Madrid at the summit. After replacing Raphinha in the 46th minute, the 28-year-old was a constant threat and got his reward by firing home from close range, just moments after squandering a one-on-one opportunity.
Despite the win, Barca manager Hansi Flick criticised his team’s failure to put the game to bed, stating: “We can’t keep missing these chances. It’s good that we created so many chances, but we needed to finish off the game in the first half and score many more goals.
“This is always our focus. We want to win every match. It’s good to see this, and we’re happy to play with confidence and play so well.” If the Catalan club opts to sign Rashford permanently, there have been tentative suggestions that a deal could involve Marc Casado, who Man United are reportedly interested in acquiring.
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However, whilst any talk of a swap deal has been dismissed by Hansi Flick, who insisted the young midfielder won’t be departing the club, the future of the United loanee remains uncertain. Rashford’s strike against Elche, along with the lift he provided when introduced, has now become a talking point amongst Spanish journalists.
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Marca
Writing in Marca, Fernando Carnerero commended Barcelona’s determination to see out the match despite squandering numerous clear-cut opportunities against Elche. The opposition’s threat on the break presented a genuine challenge for the visitors, but that was nullified by Rashford’s goal which followed a “great run” by Lamine Yamal.
He wrote: “Barca missed another chance to seal the victory when Rashford went one-on-one with the Englishman, but his shot went well wide. Flick’s men were still playing with fire with 20 minutes remaining. Elche had another good opportunity, but Álvaro Rodríguez couldn’t quite reach it and Eric García cleared it for a corner.
“However, Alejandro Muñiz signalled for a goal kick, and from that corner came Rashford’s goal to make it 3-1 after a great run by Lamine Yamal. The goal was vehemently protested by the Elche players and resulted in a yellow card for Sarabia.”
Mundo Deportivo
Javier Gascon from Mundo Deportivo may have criticised Rashford for spurning a golden chance before his goal, but conceded redemption arrived through his strike which sealed Barcelona’s triumph. The Spanish publication also provided individual player ratings for everyone who took part in the match, including Rashford.
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He was described as an ‘opportunist’ following his performance during the 45 minutes he was on the pitch. The report stated: “He came on after halftime to attack the spaces.
“Like all his teammates, he missed an unforgivable goal in a one-on-one with Peña. He made amends, scoring the third goal with a clinical finish into an empty net. Peña then denied him a fourth goal.”
AS
The England international received high praise from Santi Gimenez in his assessment for AS too. The journalist identified Rashford’s second-half introduction as the turning point that reignited Barcelona’s hopes.
He stated: “But it was Rashford who breathed life into Barcelona thanks to another moment of brilliance from Lamine Yamal, who, from outside the pitch, prevented the ball from going out of play with a header, controlled it and assisted the Englishman, who unleashed a furious shot into the net, fuelled by the frustration of someone who, like so many others, had missed sitters.”