Every body: Rashford’s integration into Barcelona has been accelerated, and his excellent offensive performance and defense still need to be strengthened

After being loaned to Barcelona this season, Rashford has gradually regained his form. "Daily Sports" wrote an article to evaluate Rashford's positioning in Barcelona.

When Rashford signed with Barcelona, ​​he and coach Flick both made clear his position in the team. Barcelona has an unshakable offensive trident, and after Rashford arrived, he shouldered the important task of changing the trend of the game and stimulating the team's fighting spirit. Rashford also hopes to use this to change his career and regain his former style.

But the plan could not keep up with the changes. The successive injuries to Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Rafinha at the beginning of the season forced the coaching staff to speed up Rashford's integration plan. The supposed gradual process was compressed, and Flick had to activate Rashford in advance. In the first three months of the season, Rashford played in 15 games, including 12 starts.

Rashford has played a total of 1,046 minutes so far, scoring 6 goals and 7 assists, averaging one goal every 80 minutes. For players who join as a "Plan C" and are expected to take a long time to adapt, this data is excellent.

Despite positive feedback on the offensive end, Raphinha's absence has caused loopholes in the team's defensive system. The Brazilian winger's defensive sacrifice last season was something Barcelona desperately needed.

When Yamal gets more freedom on the right, Rafinha's assistance on the left is crucial to Barcelona's offensive and defensive balance. He can not only consolidate the defense, but also free Balde to join the attack.

It is not easy for Rashford to change his thinking and adapt to Barcelona's current defensive responsibilities as a left winger. This requires players to maintain strict discipline when pressing and maintain a high level of concentration at all times. Flick needs the players to form a harmonious and unified pressing rhythm, ensure the compactness of the defensive formation, and strictly implement tactical deployment when retreating.

The sense of teamwork may be the biggest problem currently faced by the English, and this is also a link that the coaching staff needs to focus on strengthening. Considering that Rashford is still in the adaptation period and has played far longer than originally planned, Flick is determined to fully integrate the England forward into the team system. It has achieved initial results, but he still needs to continue to work hard on the defensive end.

After the national team match day this month, Rafinha will return to the game. According to the plan, Raphinha will still be the core of the team, while Rashford will return to the role of "changemaker". Rashford may have less pressure on the defensive end by then, but he must be prepared for any possible tactical changes.