Hansi Flick makes a 'historic' decision involving Rashford

10/10/2025 17:31:00 ScoreStream

Marcus Rashford could be deployed as the main striker by Hansi Flick in the upcoming game versus Girona, signaling an important tactical change for Barcelona's offensive line.

According to sources from Spain, Hansi Flick has had this idea since the start of the season but had not yet implemented it. With Raphinha recently recovered from injury and Lamine Yamal in excellent form, Flick believes now is the right moment to test Rashford in the striker role—a position that could maximize his speed and finishing skills.

Under Flick’s guidance, Rashford has scored 3 goals and provided 5 assists in 10 matches, playing a key role in Barcelona’s strong start to the season. The German coach praises the English star's attitude and development. “He is truly beginning to rediscover his best self—faster, more confident, and more decisive,” Flick shared during a private meeting with the coaching staff.

Flick believes Rashford can become a central piece in the new attacking system

Previously, Rashford mainly operated on the wings, but Raphinha’s injury and the need to refresh the attack have forced Flick to reconsider. He thinks playing Rashford higher up will allow the team to apply direct pressure on the opponent’s goal while better utilizing the 27-year-old’s off-ball movement and long-range shooting.

If the trial against Girona proves successful, Flick plans to keep Rashford in this role for the upcoming Champions League matches. “This might be the decision above all decisions,” Flick stated. “If Rashford adapts well as a striker, he will become the most crucial element in Barcelona’s new attacking setup.”

Regarding personnel, the expected attacking trio will feature Rashford as the striker, Raphinha returning on the left wing, and Lamine Yamal on the right. Behind them, Fermin Lopez will act as the playmaker, responsible for controlling the tempo and delivering penetrating passes. This formation enables Barcelona to maintain speed, pressure, and creativity while making it harder for opposing defenses to predict.

Rashford has netted 3 goals and 5 assists in 10 matches under Flick’s tenure at Barcelona

If this experiment succeeds, Barcelona is likely to activate the clause to buy Rashford permanently during the January 2026 transfer window. The Catalan club’s management is reportedly ready to invest heavily to retain the English forward, who previously agreed to reduce his salary by 30% to join Camp Nou. However, for a long-term contract, Rashford might need to accept a further 50% pay cut, lowering his earnings to about 6.5 million Euros per season.

Flick is known for favoring flexible attacking systems where players frequently interchange positions to create space. He successfully applied this philosophy at Bayern Munich with stars like Gnabry and Müller. Trying Rashford as a striker could be a similar move, aimed at giving Barcelona an additional versatile "weapon" in their quest for trophies.

Therefore, the match against Girona is not just a La Liga fixture but a milestone marking a new direction. Rashford is ready, and Hansi Flick is preparing for his biggest test since taking charge at Barcelona.

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