Rivaldo gives honest verdict on Marcus Rashford’s move to Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona were looking for a new left-winger all throughout the summer transfer window. For the Catalan club, it was reportedly a transfer request from Hansi Flick himself. However, it took Barcelona quite some time to find the right player according to their circumstances.

Ultimately, they ended up signing Marcus Rashford on a loan deal from Manchester United. Since then, the English forward has been training under the orders of Hansi Flick and even managed to make his unofficial debut for the club against Vissel Kobe in the team’s latest preseason friendly.

However, despite the excitement surrounding his arrival and what he can do for the team, Rashford still has a lot to prove in this team. Still, as per a former Ballon d’Or winner and Barcelona legend, Rashford can do well for the club.

Rivaldo’s opinion on how Rashford could adapt

Marcus Rashford in action for Barcelona. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian icon stated that Rashford can thrive under the orders of Hansi Flick at the club:

“He has everything needed to stand out, especially with the great coach he’ll have by his side. That’s going to help him a lot in his development.”

Moreover, he believes that Rashford can stand out at Barcelona and that the switch from the Premier League might help him get more opportunities as well.

“Since it’s a different league from the Premier League, I think he’ll have more opportunities and more chances to show his football and do something big here. He’s a great player, no doubt about it, and I think he’s going to stand out.”

Finding a starting spot at Barcelona

However, even though Rivaldo believes Rashford will start on the bench initially at Barcelona, he thinks that the English forward will gradually find his rhythm and earn his own place at the club:

“Barcelona had a great season last year, so it’s only natural that he starts on the bench. But I think, little by little, he’ll find his rhythm, understand how the coach wants the team to play, get used to the training dynamics, and gradually adapt. Over time, he’ll earn his place.”

As for Raphinha, the player who occupied the left-winger role for the majority of last season, Rivaldo believes he remains undisputed and that it would be extremely difficult for Rashford to take his place in the starting eleven:

Fortunately, Rashford has a lot of time to acclimatise himself with the club and Hansi Flick should have enough time to sort out a viable structure and setup that gets the best out of his players. At the very least, the Barcelona coach now has a very good variety of players at his disposal.