Joleon Lescott Praises Marcus Rashford’s Impact at Barcelona

Former professional footballer Joleon Lescott has expressed admiration for Marcus Rashford‘s performance since joining Barcelona on loan from Manchester United. Rashford’s move to the Catalan club occurred after a challenging period at United, where he fell out of favor under manager Ruben Amorim. Initially, he transferred to Aston Villa temporarily in January before making the transition to Barcelona in July.

Since arriving in Spain, Rashford has made a significant impact on the team’s performance. Under head coach Hansi Flick, he has demonstrated versatility, playing both as a left winger and a striker. To date, Rashford has scored seven goals and provided eleven assists across all competitions this season. His contributions have been particularly noteworthy during the absence of fellow forward Raphinha, who has recently returned from injury.

Lescott, who previously coached Rashford while he was part of the England national team, spoke on the podcast In The Mixer, stating, “I’m not surprised by what he’s doing over there. I believe Marcus Rashford makes a good team better.” He elaborated that Rashford’s abilities shine when he is part of a strong squad rather than being relied upon to carry a struggling team.

The former Manchester City defender also revealed his eagerness for City to acquire Rashford when it became clear his time at United was nearing its end. “When there was speculation about him maybe coming to Manchester City, I would’ve wanted to sign him that day,” Lescott noted. “He definitely would’ve made City better.”

Despite Rashford’s recent benching during Barcelona’s victory over Villarreal, Flick has emphasized the importance of the forward’s mentality and professionalism. “I try to speak to every player when they are not selected,” Flick said. “He said, ‘Boss, you don’t have to tell me about your decisions. The most important thing is the team. We have to win the three points.’ This is the perfect mentality.”

Flick expressed satisfaction with Rashford’s adaptation to the team, highlighting his professionalism and commitment to the club’s success. “When he is on the bench, he shows that we have a good and deep squad,” Flick added. “He is an absolutely professional player.”

As Rashford continues to find his place within Barcelona’s lineup, his contributions are expected to remain crucial for the team’s aspirations this season. With the return of Raphinha, competition for playing time may intensify, but Rashford’s proven track record suggests he will continue to be a valuable asset to Flick’s squad.