Hansi Flick Delivers Stunning Praise That Will Leave Marcus Rashford Beaming
Hansi Flick has praised Marcus Rashford's professional approach in yet another positive development during his successful loan period at Barcelona.
The 28-year-old temporary signing was featuring prominently for the Spanish club early in the 2025-26 campaign, capitalizing on Raphinha's unavailability due to injury concerns.
However, since the Brazilian's comeback—who many considered a strong candidate for the 2025 Ballon d'Or—Rashford has only started once in Barcelona's previous six fixtures, a scenario reminiscent of his final period at Manchester United.
Rashford has entered as a halftime substitute in three of Barcelona's recent five outings, and his mindset and dedication have been evident as the La Liga title holders have overcome their disappointing 3–0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League to secure victories in their last four matches across all tournaments—a streak featuring 13 goals scored.
Barcelona's upcoming opponents are Osasuna, and a victory could extend their advantage over city rivals Real Madrid to seven points. Flick offered particular commendation for Rashford during his pre-match press briefing.
Rashford's Mindset Where it Needs to Be
"When he sits on the substitutes' bench, he demonstrates we possess a quality and deep roster," Flick commented to journalists regarding Rashford. "What I can confirm is that he maintains absolute professionalism. Initially he needed some adjustment time, but currently he's performing at his peak.
"I make an effort to communicate with every player when they're not in the starting lineup, and during our most recent conversation he responded 'coach, you don't need to explain your choices to me. What matters most is the team. We must secure all three points. Everything else is secondary.
"This represents the ideal attitude. I'm delighted to have him on the squad."
Rashford's tenure at Barcelona remains temporary at present, although a €30 million (£26.2 million / $34.1 million) purchase clause exists in the arrangement made with United during the transfer window. However, there have been strong indications that the club may pursue alternative options, with potentially replacing 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski being the top priority.
Alvarez Chess and the Role Rashford Could Play
The player most frequently connected to Barcelona has been Atlético Madrid forward Julián Alvarez, though it's evident that any agreement to acquire the Argentine would be exceptionally challenging to complete and, should it materialize, extraordinarily costly.
Despite this, speculation about Rashford potentially joining Atlético during the summer has begun circulating in Spanish media, possibly creating an opportunity for Alvarez to move to Barcelona, having been linked since his Manchester City period.
Predictably, Alvarez has stated publicly that his concentration remains on delivering for Atlético, rather than being distracted by external speculation regarding his future.
"Listen, it doesn't concern me," he recently shared with MARCA. "I attempt to avoid paying too much attention, but I'm aware of the discussions. It's everywhere on social platforms.
"I believe it's more about online chatter than actual developments. I'm completely concentrated on this campaign, on what awaits with Atlético de Madrid. Therefore, I try to block it out and focus on myself, on continuing my development as a footballer, and on achieving success."