The Spanish press have already made their mind up about Marcus Rashford after another goalscoring display for Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night, as the 27-year-old reveals the real reason he joined the club this summer.
The former Manchester United star grabbed two brilliant goals during the Blaugrana’s crushing 6-1 victory against Greek side Olympiacos last night, adding to his already impressive and ever-growing repertoire at the Nou Camp.
The English international won the penalty, dispatched coolly by Lamine Yamal, before netting twice himself. The first saw him shimmy inside the box before slotting the ball into the near post, leaving the goalkeeper scrambling.
The second was eerily similar; a perfect first touch to set himself up to smash the ball into the near corner yet again. It appeared to be finished with remarkable ease.
Fermin Lopez, who was linked with Chelsea throughout the summer, added a hat trick of his own to complete the rout.
Rashford’s brace takes his tally to five goals and six assists in just 12 games in Catalonia so far, which includes an equally impressive double against Newcastle last month.
The England star has played both on the left-hand side and through the centre, as a result of injury problems for Hansi Flick’s side, but doesn't see that as an issue so far.
“My preferred position? I prefer playing as a winger, but in the end, it doesn't matter much to me; it depends on the coach. I just want to help the team and give my all,” the 27-year-old admitted.
Marcus Rashford scored a brilliant brace for Barcelona on Tuesday evening
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Barcelona hammered Olympiacos 6-1 on the evening
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And Flick himself has already given his verdict on the on-loan forward, saying after the game: “For me, Rashford is performing very well and is an important player for the team.
“He won a penalty, which I thought was a penalty, and scored two goals.
“He’s very fast, combines very well, and as he gains confidence, he will become more important.”
And the local press have already deemed the forward’s move to Barcelona a “success”, describing the winger as a “weapon to be reckoned with”.
“The Englishman’s move is also a real coup. Against Olympiacos, he scored two goals and won a penalty. No one doubts the success of his signing anymore,” Marca wrote in their review of the match.
Dario AS described his two strikes on the night: “He scored two goals practically without warning. One after a crisp finish inside the box and another with a short dribble and a shot at the near post.”
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Barcelona boss Hansi Flick heaped praise on Marcus Rashford after another stunning performance
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Meanwhile, ESPN Spain likened Rashford and Barcelona’s performance to that of a “steamroller”, describing their attacking potency as an “offensive bulldozer”.
With a trip to bitter rivals Real Madrid up next for Barcelona, Rashford’s form will be crucial, according to Mundo Deportivo, who said: “He won the penalty that made it 3-1 and delivered two classy, precise shots that prove his signing was a success. More firepower ready for El Clásico.”
Sport believes: “In the Clásico, he could be a weapon to be reckoned with.”
The winger is loving life in Catalonia so far, and his performances are reflecting that. His biggest challenge awaits, however: Kylian Mbappe and co at the Bernebau - although the England star is not feeling anxious ahead of the crunch match.
Marcus Rashford also scored a brace against Newcastle for Barcelona this year
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Kylian Mbappe has already scored 15 goals for Real Madrid this season
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“The match against Real Madrid is a big game,” he said with a large smile on Tuesday. “This is why I came here. I’m looking forward to it.”
Los Blancos currently sit two points ahead of Barcelona in La Liga after their opening nine games. However, Flick’s side are unbeaten in their last five meetings, which includes a 5-2 and 4-0 victory.
Despite this, Rashford will be up against an Mbappe in blistering form. After 44 goals in his debut season, the French star has already netted 15 times this season, including 10 in the league.
Rashford will have to continue his own form if he is to help lead Barcelona to another defeat over their historic rivals.
And while his start to life has left coaches and the media impressed, he must keep this form up if Barcelona are to trigger the £25million buy option in his current deal.
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