Barcelona and Brazil legend Rivaldo has warned Marcus Rashford he will not take Raphinha’s place in the team at the Camp Nou.
Rashford has Manchester United to join the Catalan giants on a season-long loan deal, officially unveiled on Wednesday. Barcelona have agreed to cover his wages in full and have the option to make the move permanent for £30million next summer.
Rashford has been at his devastating best playing on the left over the years, a position he regards as his best.
Raphinha occupied that role for Barca last season, reaching a new level and placing himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation after a remarkable campaign where he scored 34 times and provided 25 assists.
Barcelona have been desperate to bring in a new winger, initially targeting Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams with Liverpool star Luis Diaz also considered.
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Raphinha and Lamine Yamal each played over 4,500 minutes last season with no direct back-up for either man on the wing with Ferran Torres regarded as an option up top to compete with Robert Lewandowski.
While there will surely be plenty of opportunities coming his way, Rivaldo believes Rashford may have to wait for his chance to shine.
‘When a player leaves a club in a tough situation, like he did, and joins a team like Barcelona, it’s only natural that the coach will use training sessions and the first few matches to get a better look at him,’ Rivaldo told Betfair.
‘Barcelona had a great season last year, so it’s normal for him to start off on the bench.
‘I believe that little by little, he’ll find his rhythm, start to understand how the manager wants the team to play, get used to the training routines, and gradually settle in. Over time, he’ll earn his spot.’
It is unlikely to come at the expense of Raphinha, however.
‘I think that’s highly unlikely that Rashford will take Raphinha’s spot, especially after the season Raphinha had last year. In my view, Raphinha is currently among the top five players in the world,’ Rivaldo continued.
‘Right now, he’s an undisputed starter at Barça and already a club icon. Everyone, the players, the coaching staff, the whole club rates him very highly.
‘What he did last season was outstanding, so without a doubt, that position is his.
‘Of course, it’s always good to have top-quality players around you. So yes, there will be competition, but I don’t think Rashford is going to take Raphinha’s place.
‘Other opportunities will arise, and with training, the manager will likely find a way to fit them both into the team.
‘But for me, Raphinha is a nailed-on starter. I don’t see any chance of him being dropped from Barça’s starting line-up.’
