Marcus Rashford is facing a judgement season at Barcelona, trying hard to convince them to sign him permanently, and his teammate Alejandro Balde’s recent claim proves he’s developing a reputation.
Fairly or unfairly, Marcus Rashford did develop a reputation at Manchester United, that of a “What if” academy product who had grown disillusioned with his boyhood club.
That much has become clear with his exploits at Barcelona, where he started impressing from the first game and has not relented since.
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Now, Alejandro Balde’s recent claim means he is developing a reputation in Spain as well, only this time, it’s one he wouldn’t mind having!
Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona in action
Photo by Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Alejandro Balde’s Marcus Rashford claim
Rashford has discovered another gear to his game at Barcelona, taking on more of a creator role than that of a pure goalscorer.
There are still raucous scoring performances, like his brace against Newcastle in the Champions League, but he has largely been the facilitator.
That is the quickest way to earn his teammates’ trust, and if Balde’s recent comments are any indication, he already has a huge fan in the dressing room.
As the player who plays behind him, Balde knows Rashford’s game better than most, and in a recent TikTok video, he said the Man Utd loanee is the second toughest player to defend at the club.
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Considering Lamine Yamal was placed first, who is quite literally a generational talent and a wizard with the ball at his feet, that is quite a big compliment for Rashford.
Marcus Rashford’s move is best for all parties
United will be happy that Rashford is shedding his unwanted reputation to nurture a new, positive one at Barcelona.
Regardless of how well he does in Spain, it’s a given that his career at Old Trafford is over, so Barcelona being impressed by him enough to trigger his buy option is the best case for everyone.
United can move on without the hassle of sorting out another move for him next summer, Barcelona get a player who is proven at their club, and Rashford gets his dream move.
Maybe he should strive to become No. 1 on that list soon!