Marcus Rashford's Electric Barcelona Debut: Breaking Down His Performance Against Vissel Kobe
Barcelona still need to complete some procedures to officially register loan signing Marcus Rashford for the 2025–26 La Liga campaign, though the English forward will have the entire summer period to demonstrate his overlooked abilities to his new fanbase.
Hansi Flick's team departed for Japan on Friday following uncertainty around their initial summer friendly against Vissel Kobe. Initially, Barcelona considered organizing an alternative match in Catalonia, but the complications that led to Sunday's game being postponed were resolved, allowing the fixture to proceed as planned.
While the J1 League table-toppers aren't considered a powerhouse, they're currently in competitive form and provided a suitable challenge for the La Liga title holders at the beginning of their preseason preparations.
Barça's 3–1 triumph was relatively straightforward, and many observers would have been pleased with the displays from the club's recent acquisitions, particularly Rashford. Here's an assessment of how the winger performed in his Barcelona bow.
Marcus Rashford vs. Vissel Kobe
Barcelona's new No. 14 was among 11 substitutions Flick implemented at halftime, with Rashford taking Raphinha's place on the left flank.
The English player showed more tendency to stay wide compared to the Brazilian, who frequently drifted centrally and assisted Barça in creating a box midfield structure to dominate Vissel Kobe through the middle. While Rashford also cut inside occasionally, he seldom had opportunities to collect the ball in space and attack the Vissel defensive line.
Nevertheless, there were definitely positive moments for the English forward, who controlled a Marc Casadó crossfield pass excellently and nearly set up Robert Lewandowski for a clear-cut chance. Rashford also had an opportunity to put Barcelona back in front, but his first-time strike didn't connect as intended when he attempted to bend it beyond Shota Arai.
It had been a display of close calls for Rashford, though he did contribute to the winning goal, which was netted by fellow debutant Roony Bardghji. After collecting the ball just beyond the Barcelona halfway line, Rashford cleverly cut inside and successfully found Lewandowski behind the Vissel defense with an accurate through ball. The Polish forward then shielded the ball effectively before setting up Roony.
Shortly afterward, Flick decided to substitute his new signing for the remaining 15 minutes.
When Will Marcus Rashford Play Next For Barcelona?
There will be additional opportunities for Rashford to make an impression following his promising debut.
Following their visit to Japan, Barcelona will travel to South Korea for two additional friendlies before returning home prior to the new La Liga season's commencement.
Rashford will probably feature next when Barça face FC Seoul on Thursday, July 31, with kickoff set for 7 a.m. ET / 4 a.m. PT. Their tour wraps up against Daegu on Monday, Aug. 4.