The Spanish media have made their feelings clear on Marcus Rashford after the English forward was seen playing a new role in just his third game since joining Barcelona. It has so far been a positive start for Rashford in Catalonia, with his teammates impressed by him in training since his loan move from Manchester United.
The 27-year-old has been backed to succeed by club legends as he looks to lay down a marker ahead of next summer's World Cup. And his latest performance left a lot to digest, as the winger showcased his credentials in a new position while trying to overthrow the already settled front three of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.
The forward played more centrally which led to positive results
Having been utilised on the flanks in his first couple of appearances, Hansi Flick opted to bring Rashford on through the middle for the first time against Daegu. And within 20 minutes of coming on, the striker made sure to repay the manager's faith by finding the back of the net for the first time in Barca colours, sweeping home from close range to cap off a well-worked move.
The goal, and his overall display, led to more plaudits from the Spanish media, with Mundo Deportivo describing the showing as 'accurate.' They followed up by adding: "He scored his first goal for FC Barcelona, proving that being a number 9 isn’t against his nature. He burst into the centre of the box to finish with a first-time effort to make it 5-0. He had previously helped create the 4-0."
While not quite the same harsh critics as L'Equipe, FootballEspana gave Rashford a 7/10 score in their player ratings for the game, saying that he "played more central, and at times was crowded out. The one chance he did get was finished perfectly, and that will be what Flick enjoyed about his performance."
It wasn't just the media who seemed happy with Rashford after he grabbed his goal either. Pictures were capyured of Barcelona president Joan Laporta smiling in the stands after the Englishman netted for the first time.