It’s time to answer your Barcelona-related questions.
We’ve been asking for all your questions about Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side for our new Mailbag and will focus on Marcus Rashford, new Barcelona Atletic signings and the upcoming World Cup in this edition.
So without any further ado, let’s get started…
What are your thoughts about the idea of Barca buying Rashford permanently at the end of the season. Keeping in mind his age, his output and the most important factor being his fat salary – psyduck_14
This is the big question right now, isn’t it? The Spanish press seem convinced Rashford will stay and Flick clearly likes him but….well, there are a few buts. Let’s look at the positives: he’s settled well, he has 10 goals and 10 assists already, and he’s been a useful option to have on the bench particularly with the injuries suffered in the first half of the season.
But, yes his massive wages will obviously be an issue for Barca, while paying €30m to sign a player who is not first choice is not the best use of funds when you’re strapped for cash and have other priorities. We know Barcelona are looking for a new striker, potentially a centre-back and that Ferran Torres would like a new contract as well this summer. So, lots to do.
We also know Rashford can be a problem at times when it comes to pressing, misses a lot of one vs one chances, and if we’re being hyper-critical – apart from Newcastle – his goals haven’t been game changers.
He’s netted in two defeats (Real Sociedad and Sevilla) and regularly when Barca were already ahead (two against Olympiakos, against Elche – home and away – Copenhagen & Guadalajara. He’s also the sixth player this season to hit 10 goals this season for Barca. As we all know, finding the back of the net has not been a problem for Flick’s side. If Rashford wants to stay, he probably needs to do a bit more.
I suspect a lot will depend on what happens with Lewandowski and also if Rashford can keep on scoring between now and the end of the season. Will he stay? I don’t know if I’m completely honest, but if it were up to me it wouldn’t be my highest priority this summer.
Given all recent players Atletic just signed, what players do you see from the academy going on the preseason tour with the first team next season? – BarcaDESTiny
This is a really good question because it’s been a really interesting window for Barca Atletic with Hamza Abdelkarim, Juwensly Onstein signing and Patricio Pacífico coming in as well. I think we’ll have to wait and see how these new guys get on before we can pass judgement but I’m excited to see them in action.
Flick took 30 players to Asia last summer but I think only five weren’t first-team regulars so we can expect to see something similar. Tommy Marques seems to be a favourite of Flick’s right now and must be in with a shot and Toni Fernandez can probably expect another trip. I think Juan Hernandez and Ibrahim Diarra (who was due to go last summer but missed out because of injury at the last minute) may get the nod along with Xavi Espart or maybe Jofre Torrents. A goalkeeper is also likely to go, meaning Kochen or even Aron Yaakobishvili – who has been doing well on loan at Andorra.
Which team is your favourite going into the FIFA World Cup this year? Who is the dark horse? Which team is most likely to underperform (as per the FIFA ranking)? Any young players that we should keep an eye on (barring the usual suspects)? – Another_cule
Well, it’s going to be a very different World Cup this time around with 48 teams involved and 104 matches to be played. I think Spain will take some stopping but then again European teams haven’t traditionally done well when the tournament has been held in the Americas. Dark horses? I had Morocco down but who knows after the AFCON chaos. Might Brazil do something? (What do you think, Renato?!) Young players – I’ve really enjoyed watching Estevao this season and also Lennart Karl at Bayern Munich. He should be one to watch if he makes Germany’s squad.
That’s all from me today. Renato will be here for the next round of The BB Mailbag which will be coming around soon. As usual, let us know your questions, comments and thoughts in the comments below!
Category: General Sports
