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Barcelona coach has reignited Marcus Rashford’s career through tactical freedom, confidence, and smart man-management, turning a risky loan into a success.
Marcus Rashford has looked like a player reborn since joining Barcelona on loan from Manchester United in the summer.
The 27-year-old forward, whose form plummeted drastically last season at Old Trafford, has regained his mojo under Hansi Flick.
Rashford has five goals and six assists already this season and is once again playing with the confidence and explosiveness that once had him among Europe's most exciting attackers.
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Flick's tactical changes and empathetic leadership have played a big part and here are three ways the Barcelona coach has rejuvenated Rashford's career.
3. Freedom to Move Centrally
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Since arriving at the Camp Nou, Rashford has been given far more freedom to operate inside rather than being stuck to the touchline. While his role is nominally as a left winger, Flick has encouraged him to play in the half-space between winger and striker — the zone where he has been most dangerous previously.
The result has been a player more involved in decisive attacking moments. His stunning long-range effort against Newcastle United in the Champions League came after he came in from his initial position on the left wing to play centrally — even to the right. Flick's system, predicated on compactness and narrow passing combinations, thrives when attacking players like Rashford come inside to link play. It has allowed Rashford to interlink more with Barcelona's playmaking midfielders and stay in goal-scoring range.
Most importantly, perhaps, this new freedom has opened Rashford's confidence. After a difficult final season at United, being granted the freedom to play his position as he likes has allowed him to play on instinct again. He's shooting more, demanding the ball, and looking to take defenders on — a sign that the old Rashford is back.
2. Dynamic Full-Backs Bringing Out the Best in Him
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Rashford's interior movements have not opened up Barcelona as Flick has designed a system that complements him perfectly. As the England forward moves inside, left-backs Gerard Martin and Alejandro Balde go high up to occupy the vacant flank. The opposition defense is stretched by this overlapping run, and Rashford has space to operate inside or play through-balls down the line.
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The Balde-Rashford combo has been the hallmark of Barca's attack. Their understanding is reminiscent of Rashford's best with Luke Shaw at Manchester United, where overlapping runs allowed him to isolate defenders or create 2v1 situations. Balde's work rate and attacking instincts off the left side match Rashford's movement, allowing Barcelona width while still affording their star winger the ability to freelance.
These timed runs also make Rashford extremely difficult to defend. When teams double up on him in central areas, Balde is usually free in dangerous crossing positions. Conversely, if defenders move out to meet the full-back, Rashford is one-on-one — a situation that usually ends in despair for opponents. Flick's tactical structure has given Rashford space and structure, a balance that is getting his best football in years out of him.
1. Consistency, Confidence, and Man-Management
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Beyond tactics, Flick's impact on Rashford's mindset has been enormous. Since joining Barcelona, Rashford has started six consecutive matches in the same position — something that didn't always happen at Manchester United. That stability has allowed him to find rhythm and confidence again. Flick's faith in him is evident, and Rashford has responded with displays that have been full of energy, leadership, and end product.
The German manager has also trusted him with greater responsibility, depending on him for corner kick and set-piece deliveries. This has not only added to his assist count but also cemented his place in the team. Rashford's confidence boost is visible in every aspect of his game — from his first touch to his willingness to take risks within the final third.
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Lastly, Flick's resurrection of Marcus Rashford is a mix of tactical ingenuity and emotional intelligence. By giving him positional freedom, a supporting cast of players, and unconditional backing, the Barcelona boss has unleashed the version of Rashford that fans feared had been lost forever. If his current trajectory continues, Barcelona's loan signing will soon turn out to be one of the most astute permanent signings of the season.