Marcus Rashford received high praise from Spanish media after an impressive performance in Barcelona's 3-0 La Liga victory over Mallorca, with fans giving the Manchester United loanee a standing ovation when substituted.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford
View Image
Former Aston Villa loanee Marcus Rashford has earned widespread praise from Spanish media following an impressive display in a rare starting appearance for Barcelona.
Hansi Flick's squad stretched their advantage at the summit of La Liga to four points courtesy of a commanding 3-0 triumph over Mallorca at the Nou Camp. With Rafinha sidelined through injury, Rashford was given his first league start since 3rd January and seized the opportunity with conviction.
Robert Lewandowski broke the deadlock in the 29th minute after a Rashford attempt was kept out. Lamine Yamal, netting for a fifth consecutive match, added a second shortly after the hour mark before fellow teenager Marc Bernal wrapped up proceedings with his maiden senior goal seven minutes from the final whistle.
However, it was Rashford who garnered the lion's share of praise from both press and supporters, with the on-loan Manchester United striker receiving a standing ovation when withdrawn midway through the second period.
Mundo Deportivo described Rashford's showing as "hyperactive" and commended him for energising Barca after a lethargic opening. They stated: "By far, one of Barca's most purposeful players in a first half that was collectively very flat.
"Taking Flick's challenge to heart, he assumed attacking responsibility when the game looked its worst, producing the most dangerous shots, the second leading to the 1-0 goal, and sending a beautiful free kick straight off the crossbar. Substituted to well-deserved applause."
El Desmarque, commenting on the team's sluggish start, commended Rashford and Yamal for rousing Barca "from their siesta". AS also lauded Rashford, though they noted he was given more room than Yamal, who was "constantly facing a three-on-one on the right flank".
They also observed that "Rashford's form has improved throughout the season".
The Barca Universal website awarded Rashford an 8.5/10 rating and remarked: "Rashford was perhaps Barcelona's most potent threat in the first half as he did not hesitate to cut in and shoot, creating a ruckus in the Mallorca area and bombarding Roman's goal with powerful strikes.
"He also did well providing a wide threat, although his crosses were well defended for the greater part. In fact, the opening goal stemmed from his shot on goal which fell kindly for Lewandowski."
Football Espana wasn't quite as generous, giving him a 7/10 but still extended warm praise, stating: "Barcelona's best attacker, and he can count himself unlucky that he did not find the back of the net with one of his ferocious strikes."
Meanwhile, Barca Blaugranes reported that Barca woke up "thanks in large part to Marcus Rashford, who was the brightest and most active of the Blaugrana attackers".