After a successful start to life at Barcelona, a former Catalan star believes that Marcus Rashford has what it takes to succeed at the club and win the Ballon d’Or.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on a season-long loan during the summer.
Having been on loan at Aston Villa for the second half of the season, the summer window presented the 27-year-old with the opportunity of a new start away from the pressure of the English media that had been scrutinising him for so long.
While his former coach Ruben Amorim’s start to the season has been mixed, Rashford has enjoyed a successful start to life in Barcelona, scoring three and setting up five across 10 LaLiga and Champions League fixtures.
It was evident that Rashford was no longer in Amorim’s plans despite the loan deal not including an obligation to buy, but an option to buy for £26 million. This was further compounded by new signing Matheus Cunha inheriting the number 10 shirt that Rashford had worn since 2018.
Rashford can win the Ballon d’Or
Speaking in an interview with OLBG, former Barcelona star Gaizka Mendieta spoke about Rashford’s start to life in Barcelona and believes he can win football’s top individual prize.
“When we are speaking about ability, Marcus Rashford does have what it takes to win the Ballon d’Or,” Mendieta said.
“On paper, Rashford is a great signing for Barca. Obviously, we know the talent that he has, the potential that he has, the things that he is able to do.
“The question mark was, is he going to be able to do that, and how often is he able to do that? I think so far he has impressed a lot of people.”
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Mendieta went on to say: “Barca has been a difficult place for some other great players who have joined the club. But I think so far he’s doing great. He’s adapted to the position, he’s adapted to the club. I think he’s certainly adapted to the city as well, which I think is very difficult.
“He has already scored and is getting assists. I think he has also become important with set pieces, and overall, he’s doing great. Rashford could be better or could be as good as anyone. Now it’s about being in a different stage of his career with a different club, and he’s started very well, but the season is young.
“There are many games, many things to be decided. The second part of the season is the most important when it comes to winning trophies, but we hope Barca will be there in the Champions League and in La Liga.
“He’s been important in the team, and if they do win trophies, I don’t see a reason why he can’t be on that list. There’s no question about what he can do; we know the ability and the skills that he has. It’s up to him to deliver what everyone knows he can do.”
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