La Liga's 35th round will usher in the El Clásico. Barcelona only needs to remain undefeated in this game to win the championship three rounds in advance. According to "Diario SPORT", thanks to Rashford's outstanding performance after recently coming off the bench, and the reality of Balde's poor form, Rashford is expected to start against Real Madrid in the El Clásico.
28-year-old Rashford is still a difficult presence to define at Barcelona. His ownership still belongs to Manchester United, and few players in the Barcelona squad can provoke such fierce discussion among fans.
The last talented player who joined the club but could not be defined by a fixed template was Dembélé. Like the French star, Rashford also oscillates between brilliant moments and frustrating performances, which has sparked widespread discussion. Rashford is like a free agent in the team, sometimes he seems to be playing a game disconnected from the team, but his contribution this season is still very crucial.
His statistics are convincing: 14 goals and 12 assists. These numbers are even more valuable for a loaned player who is not an absolute starter. Amid intense debate about his future, Rashford has delivered some of his best performances in the last two games. This once again confirms his elusive characteristics, and he is accomplishing these performances in a position and role that was previously not favored: playing as a right winger and coming off the bench.
Interestingly, these performances are happening when he could have given up. First, despite Raphinha being out injured for more than a month, he remains a substitute. Secondly, the club's statements about his future have also changed: from ensuring he stays to being doubtful. Rashford has also seen Flick give Fermín consecutive starts on the left and choose to trust Balde on the right. The former has consistently been a highlight, while the Swedish youngster has failed to capitalize on Yamal's injury.
Balde's performance and Rashford's recent form suggest that the English star is likely to start in Sunday's El Clásico. Since Yamal's injury, Flick has gradually fixed a formation consisting of four midfielders: Gavi, Pedri, Olmo, and Fermín. This formation allows Barcelona to have greater midfield control, but the attacking depth is clearly insufficient. Rashford has played a key role when coming off the bench, bringing the necessary breakthroughs and uncertainties to the team in the second half.
And this is the major decision facing Flick: whether to trust the English star from the start in the El Clásico, which could potentially decide the league title in advance, or to continue to let him come off the bench as a surprise weapon. Rashford did not perform well in the second leg of the Champions League match against Atlético Madrid, having no impact after coming on, but his form has clearly improved since then.
Although his defensive contribution is still fluctuating, his threat in front of goal, whether it be assisting or finishing, is enough to change the game. Flick knows this and recognizes his contribution. But currently, Manchester United insists on a price of no less than 30 million euros, and his salary is too high for a substitute player. Rashford's future remains uncertain.