The dream move of Marcus Rashford could be about to get even better with a defining chance to impress, if the latest noises from Barcelona are any indication.
Marcus Rashford has started off well at Barcelona anyway, impressing on his debut and keeping it up in his second game.
Rashford was off the mark for Barcelona in his third game to finish off the tour to Asia, which was a fruitful one for him.
It seems his efforts have been rewarded by the universe as well, since he could be handed a defining chance to make a lasting impact at Barcelona earlier than anyone expected.
Barcelona forward Marcus Rashford shoots against Daegu.
Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images
Marcus Rashford set for big chance at Barcelona
It wasn’t like Rashford needed any big performance to convince Barcelona of his skills since he had done that already in his three games so far.
However, in all three games, there was a clear pattern, which was Rashford coming off the bench to play as the striker/left-winger.
Hansi Flick talked about playing Rashford as a striker as well, and the player’s versatility was a big reason why Barcelona were attracted to him.
With Raphinha on the left and Lamine Yamal on the right, if Rashford was ever going to become a first-team regular at Camp Nou, it would be as a No. 9.
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Fate has handed Rashford a golden chance to do just that, as Barcelona have confirmed that Robert Lewandowski has suffered a hamstring problem.
As per their update, he is unavailable for the next game, on Sunday against Como, and no recovery timeline has been determined as yet.
It almost certainly ensures that Rashford starts that game as a striker, and with Lewandowski out for the foreseeable future, the striker spot is his to lose.
If Rashford takes this chance, this could be the start of a new era for Rashford and Barcelona.
Rashford can take this chance to force permanent change
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this moment of Lewandowski’s injury could be regarded as a seminal moment in Rashford’s career in the years ahead.
That is because the Polish striker is in the last year of his contract, with Barcelona preparing for a future without him.
If Rashford impresses as the striker, then it will be difficult for the Pole to retain his starting spot even when he’s back fit, as Barcelona will start future-proofing themselves.
The No. 9 spot will become Rashford’s to lose, and the option to buy next summer will almost certainly be taken up with glee on all three sides – Man Utd, Rashford, and Barcelona.
No injury is ever a “boost”, but, for Rashford, it couldn’t have come at a better time. He has received a chance to become the undisputed first-choice for his dream club earlier than anyone expected.