Lewandowski and Raphinha: Will they face more or less pressure with Rashford in team?

Marcus Rashford may be a backup for Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski in 25/26. The 'culés' aspire to play 60 or more games again in the season, which implies a brutal wear and tear for the squad.

However, the presence of the Englishman also increases the competition for a place in the starting XI, although in principle both the Brazilian and the Pole start as undisputed starters this summer.

Related

What will be FC Barcelona's first starting lineup in 25/26?

Both produced 102 of the 173 goals scored by the team in 24/25 (58.95%), with the '11' leading in direct goal involvements (57) in the top five European leagues, tied with Mohamed Salah.

In that sense, the club's bet on Rashford is clear. Deco promised to bring another winger "to not depend so much on Raphinha and Lamine Yamal". Well, 'Lewy' also enters the equation, as the England international can play without problems as a '9'.

Hansi Flick's plan to boost Raphinha and Lewandowski with Rashford

Last season, Raphinha played a total of 4,661 minutes in 57 games. He was only absent in three matches, one of them (against Osasuna) for coming from a FIFA date. 

With Marcus in the squad, the Porto Alegre native will be able to dose his appearances in La Liga and Copa much more. In the case of Lewandowski, the Pole closed 24/25 with 3,930 minutes spread over 52 appearances.

The '9' was absent in four games due to muscular problems in the last month of competition and barely had a couple of days of rest in La Liga and the same amount in Copa, although Flick replaced him in the second half in many games.

Considering that the Pole will turn 37 in August, the logical thing will be to dose his physical wear and tear much more, even more taking into account his absence between April and May, which made him miss the first leg of the 'semis' of Champions League and the final of Copa del Rey.

Well, so that both forwards reach the final stretch of the season in the best physical condition, Rashford will be a key piece that, in addition, will carry part of the offensive weight of the team together with Ferran Torres.

Marcus Rashford can contribute around 20 goals to Barça

Although his offensive production has declined in the last two seasons, the Manchester native has shown plenty of conditions at Old Trafford to produce at least 20 goals, between goals and assists, in a season.

In 24/25, the Englishman scored 7 goals with United and 4 with Aston Villa, in addition to 8 assists (3 and 5) in 41 appearances. That is, the winger produced 19 goals despite not having the appropriate regularity and confidence.

With the 'red devils', his top was 30 goals and 9 assists in 56 games during 22/23. Lewandowski comes from scoring 42 goals the previous year and Raphinha 34. 

If either of the two (or both) lower their offensive production a little, Marcus can cover their backs without problems. Also Ferran, who already reached his historical top in 24/25 with 19 goals.

All this, of course, without counting what Lamine Yamal does. The '10', already with his new number and having reached the age of majority, is called to lead the Barça offensive trident, surpassing by far the 18 goals and 23 assists (co-leader along with Rafa) that he added in his second full season with the first team.

Thus, FC Barcelona can be calm regarding its offensive production in the season that begins next August 16 in Mallorca. The competition for a place in the XI will be greater, as well as the commitment and ambition of the team to try to win everything in 2026.  

FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS:

1. INSTAGRAM: @fcbarcelonanoticias_com
2. FACEBOOK: FCBN
3. X (TWITTER): @FCBNOTICIAS
4. THREADS: @fcbarcelonanoticias_com