After the official announcement of the brand new incorporation, FC Barcelona is already showing Marcus Rashford training with the rest of his teammates before arriving in Japan to play the first match of the Asian tour, which will be against Vissel Kobe on Sunday, July 27.
It should be noted that this match had been suspended this Wednesday (July 23) due to non-payments by the promoters. However, according to recent information reviewed this Thursday, the match will be played.
In this sense, the new Barca '14''s sights would be set on the preseason, mainly because, if he has the opportunity, he will be able to demonstrate his potential to coach Hansi Flick.
Likewise, Rashford's presence captured all eyes in the training session, becoming the great protagonist of the day. His integration into the group marks the beginning of a stage that excites both the coaching staff and the fans.
Rashford, facing his first big challenge as a Barça player
Marcus Rashford is aware that for now he arrives with the 'substitute' label, so the Asian tour, which will have three commitments (Seoul FC on July 31 and against Daegu FC on August 4, are the other two), will be essential to start taking competitive rhythm for the 2025/26 season.
The player is totally liked by Flick; even the culé coach approved and pushed for the blaugrana team to launch into the market for him after the failed signing of Nico Williams and in view of the complications that the incorporation of Luis Díaz would entail, since Liverpool demanded at least 80 million euros for the Colombian.
However, the English international starts behind Raphinha, who for now is the owner of the left wing, but who will still have a tough task of competing with Rashford if the player manages to recover his best footballing moment.
The left wing of Barça, a complicated terrain for Rashford
In this context, Raphinha during the 2024/25 season signed numbers of authentic crack on the left wing and does not seem willing to give ground. In 57 matches, he scored 34 goals and distributed 25 assists, establishing himself as one of the most decisive players in the team.
In contrast, Rashford comes from a campaign marked by muscle problems and also with the Manchester United board. The former '10' of the 'reds devils' played 41 matches and could only score 11 goals and assist in 9 opportunities, being very far from the Brazilian in terms of figures.
That is why, for Marcus, the challenge will be double, since he will have to adapt to a new game philosophy and compete directly with a footballer in a state of grace. Although the Englishman brings speed, power and experience in big scenarios, he must show that he can offer something different and complementary to Barça's game.
However, there is the possibility that the '11' of Barça will play as a midfielder, as long as Rashford demonstrates a superlative level that prevents him from being taken off the left wing. However, the player can also stand out in the demarcation of '9' and on the right wing, although this scenario is much more complicated, considering that Lamine Yamal is the one who plays on that side.
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