Thomas Tuchel has delivered both praise and a pointed warning to Marcus Rashford, insisting the on-loan Barcelona forward has the ability to become one of the finest attackers in world football but risks falling short of his immense potential.
The England manager revealed that he speaks regularly with Rashford, urging the 27-year-old to improve his output in front of goal and to make the most of his gifts before time catches up with him.
Rashford has started brightly in Spain, with three goals and four assists in 10 appearances since his summer switch from Manchester United.
Yet Tuchel believes those numbers do not reflect the player’s true capabilities.
“He can be one of the best in the world because the finishing and the quality I see in training, with both legs and his head, he is explosive, he is fast, he is strong in the air, so for him there are no limits,” Tuchel said.
“But the numbers don’t reach the potential. He needs to push himself with goal involvements. He knows that from me.”
The England boss said he often reminds Rashford that talent alone will not define his legacy.
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Thomas Tuchel has delivered both praise and a pointed warning to Marcus Rashford, insisting the on-loan Barcelona forward has the ability to become one of the finest attackers in world football but risks falling short of his immense potential
|PA
“He still has to make these decisions,” the German continued.
“He is still young enough to make them, because otherwise he might be disappointed in 10 years with what he could have been and what he may have done.
“That is the headline for him, to keep pushing himself to the limit. And the limit for him is very, very high, maybe higher than it is for others.”
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Marcus Rashford has impressed for Barcelona since joining from Manchester United on loan back in the summer
| GETTYTuchel described Rashford’s challenge as psychological rather than technical, stressing that potential means little unless it is realised consistently.
“Potential is a dangerous word in high-level sport,” he said.
“You have to reach your personal best on a regular basis. That is demanded at this level.
“It is not a question of talent. It is whether he can prove himself week after week, at club and international level. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he has to constantly prove his value.”
Since taking charge of England in March, Tuchel has selected Rashford in all but one squad, with the forward only missing the summer internationals against Senegal and Andorra due to injury.
The manager admitted he felt an early connection with the player during their first camp together.
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Marcus Rashford is currently on England duty, with the Three Lions set to face Latvia on Tuesday night | REUTERS“I can feel him, and I felt in my first camp I can help him if he feels my support,” Tuchel said.
“He was at Aston Villa at the time, which I thought was a bold move, to join a team that was settled and hard-working.
“He settled quickly and his work rate was impressive. Still, his goal involvement could have been higher for the quality we see every day.”
Rashford featured as a substitute in England’s 3-0 victory over Wales, replacing his former Villa teammate Ollie Watkins, who suffered an injury that has since ruled him out of the squad.
The forward could now start against Latvia on Tuesday, with England needing a win to secure qualification for the World Cup.
Captain Harry Kane is also set to return after missing the Wales game with an ankle issue.
Harry Kane could be in line to replace Ollie Watkins for England's match with Latvia this evening
| PA“Very easy with Harry, he can play and is fit,” Tuchel confirmed.
“We did the right thing. Top in training and ready to go. I don’t see any obstacles.”
Tuchel added that Watkins had returned to his club for treatment: “It was too painful and he could not train with us. He is in treatment with his club.”