مدير عام كرة القدم
- Rashford has joined Barca on loan
- Faces stiff competition for starting spot
- Might have to wait for his opportunity to shine
Barcelona have agreed to cover the entirety of Rashford’s wages, underlining their belief in the England international. However, the forward will face stiff competition for a starting berth as Hansi Flick has a tailor-made front three of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal to power his attack.
Raphinha enjoyed an extraordinary 2024-25 season, producing an astonishing 34 goals and 25 assists, firmly cementing his place as one of the best players in the world. Hence, Rivaldo believes his compatriot remains untouchable in the current squad hierarchy.
Speaking candidly about the potential internal competition Rashford will face, Rivaldo told Betfair: “When a player leaves a club in a tough situation, like he did, and joins a team like Barcelona, it’s only natural that the coach will use training sessions and the first few matches to get a better look at him. Barcelona had a great season last year, so it’s normal for him to start off on the bench. I believe that little by little, he’ll find his rhythm, start to understand how the manager wants the team to play, get used to the training routines, and gradually settle in. Over time, he’ll earn his spot.
“I think that’s highly unlikely that Rashford will take Raphinha’s spot, especially after the season Raphinha had last year. In my view, Raphinha is currently among the top five players in the world. Right now, he’s an undisputed starter at Barça and already a club icon. Everyone, the players, the coaching staff, the whole club rates him very highly. What he did last season was outstanding, so without a doubt, that position is his.”
While Rivaldo acknowledges Rashford’s talent and the potential impact he could make, he emphasised that new arrivals must go through a process of adaptation, particularly at a club with high expectations and a well-established core.
“Of course, it’s always good to have top-quality players around you. So yes, there will be competition, but I don’t think Rashford is going to take Raphinha’s place,” he again insisted.n
“Other opportunities will arise, and with training, the manager will likely find a way to fit them both into the team. But for me, Raphinha is a nailed-on starter. I don’t see any chance of him being dropped from Barça’s starting line-up.”
Rashford will link up with the Barcelona squad in Asia as he begins this new chapter of his career. Whether he can break into a team that already boasts one of the world’s finest wide players remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Rashford will have to earn every minute he gets under the lights at Camp Nou.
