Gary Lineker holds the distinction of being the only Englishman to have played for FC Barcelona in the last 100 years but all that looks set to change this season, as the club have reached an agreement to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
The 27-year-old English attacker is arriving on an initial loan deal with an option to buy. Rashford is coming to Barcelona with the hope of resurrecting his faltering career, and Hansi Flick might be the perfect man to do that.
Lineker, who shares a good relationship with Rashford, was asked about the 27-year-old Englishman’s impending move to Barcelona. In the interview with the program ‘Què t’hi jugues’ (Cadena SER) [h/t Mundo Deportivo], the former player endorsed the move. He said:
“It’s been a long time since Barça had an English player, and this is a good signing for them. He’s a great player. He’s had his problems at Manchester United in recent years, but he’s got a lot of talent. He’s very fast, very dangerous, and a good person.”
Linker has a lot of hope for Rashford
Lineker went on to reiterate that he hopes for Rashford to showcase his true level at Barcelona. This has been missing for the past couple of seasons. He continued:
“I hope he can show his true level. There are so many games now, and teams need more than just a starting XI. Marcus has a lot of skill, and I think he’ll be a great signing for Barça. We’ll see, because you never know, but I’m really happy to see him in Barcelona. He’s a good friend of mine.”
Lineker was then asked where he thought Rashford played best, which is a common question asked of versatile attackers. He said:
“His best position is on the left wing, though he can also play as a central striker. He’s very fast when he has the ball at his feet. The left side is his best spot. Hansi Flick’s style of play could suit him very well because he’s so dangerous.”
The former player who played for the club between 1986 and 1989 also took the chance to praise Lamine Yamal, who has been turning heads with his performances. He said:
“Lamine is the next big thing after Maradona and Messi. At his age, doing what he’s doing, it’s very special. He could become one of the greats, but he’ll need a bit of luck. The way he plays, he’s just so good. Ballon d’Or? I’d give it to him.”
Rashford comes to Spain with a point to prove
Rashford comes to Barcelona with a point to prove and the opportunity to play alongside Lamine should thrill him. The Spaniard is an excellent creator and can pick the Englishman’s pacy runs behind the defensive line with precision.
The 27-year-old will be the first person to hold his hands up and admit that the last two seasons haven’t been great for him from a personal perspective. However, with new beginnings comes new opportunities.
Let’s wait and see how Rashford settles in at Barcelona and if he can become fundamental to Flick’s plans. The pre-season training should give us a good idea of the level the Man Utd forward is at and it remains to be seen how it plays out.
