Marcus Rashford leaving Aston Villa for Barcelona shouldn't be entertained | OneFootball

If media pundits weren't talking negatively about Aston Villa, they wouldn't be discussing the club at all. Seemingly at every opportunity, the notable voices in this sphere take any opportunity to poke fun and undermine the undertakings, even in the face of clear progress.

The latest talks surrounding Marcus Rashford, of course, have him unhappy in Birmingham and looking for the nearest exit sign from the Villa operations. Set aside the fact that he is playing well and appears far happier than in his last couple of years at Manchester United. Many believe, for some unfounded reason, that the attacker wouldn't wish to remain under Unai Emery.

Speculation is now suggesting that Rashford is on his way to Barcelona. A move from Manchester appears to be assured right now. His joining La Liga would be an interesting twist, but to be implying that the England international is actively looking to leave Villa is silly.

'His dream' is to play at a high level and be in contention for trophies every year. If the question is playing time or not having competition in the attacking roles, then the move to the Catalan side would need to be dismissed out of hand.

With AVFC, he is competing with Ollie Watkins for the starting striker role. On the outside, there are the likes of Morgan Rogers, Jacob Ramsey, and Donyell Malen. At Barcelona, there is Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski. The same argument in terms of being a clear-cut starter at certain positions is true either way.

Being on a good team is becoming more of a priority

The reality for modern players is that they have to make a choice. They know that guaranteed playing time will mean being on a weaker squad. That can be the overall goal for some. It also translates to more losses and a lower chance of competing for trophies.

To remain competitive and be in contention, good players need to be comfortable with sometimes being out of favor and not being afforded the opportunity to play through their bad form. Everyone is different, but for some, being in a fostering environment is what's best.

While Emery isn't a player-manager in the traditional sense of the word, those on the roster enjoy playing under him. Villans, furthermore, know that the Spaniard can best position them and their teammates to win games and develop.

It remains to be seen how someone like Rashford will potentially flourish in a 'starting 22,' but the early signs are more than promising. Talented players will have to face a choice. Particularly if Villa find a way to qualify for Champions League, the positives of being in B6 could outweigh any perceived negatives.