Marcus Rashford received scathing reviews from Spanish press after a subdued display in Barcelona's 1-0 win over Athletic Club
Barcelona maintained their position at La Liga's summit with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Athletic Club, though Marcus Rashford failed to make a significant impact. The Manchester United loanee was largely regarded as ineffective during Saturday's triumph.
Rashford was handed his first league start in a month and featured for the opening 60 minutes before being replaced by Raphinha. Lamine Yamal once again proved decisive for Barcelona as they preserved their four-point cushion over Real Madrid.
Spanish newspapers were unanimous in their criticism of 28-year-old Rashford for an underwhelming display. Nevertheless, the forward still has opportunities to contribute if he can recapture the form he showed earlier in the campaign.
That being said, Hansi Flick will be eager to see him move on from Saturday's display as Barca eye two more titles before season's end. Here's how the Spanish media assessed his most recent outing in Barcelona colours...
AS
Madrid-based newspaper AS delivered the harshest verdict on Rashford's contribution, describing his performance as "disastrous." Its report also highlighted the Englishman's declining form during the second half of the season, painting a particularly bleak picture.
"Barca played at a snail's pace against a very weak Athletic side that barely faced any problems in their own area," one section read. It continued by characterising Yamal as "virtually invisible, [Dani] Olmo ineffective, and Rashford maintaining his mediocre form of recent weeks."
In a further setback, AS reported Rashford squandered his opportunity to "prove his worth" as the Catalan giants consider whether to make his move permanent in the summer.
"The situation with these two players [Rashford and Olmo] is quite worrying," read one passage. "Because they supposedly had an opportunity at San Mames to prove their worth. In other words, to show they're not useless to the project and that they can contribute something."
Mundo Deportivo
Rashford remains in the midst of attempting to persuade Barca he's deserving of the £26million outlay required to make his loan deal permanent. Yet a lacklustre spell of form in recent weeks isn't the kind of output needed to strengthen his case.
Mundo Deportivo was equally harsh in its assessment and described Rashford's showing as "stagnant." And following five matches without a goal or assist, it's feasible that exhaustion is starting to take its toll.
"After five games without starting, two due to injury, the Englishman failed to capitalise on his starting role," the Catalan publication noted. "He was present but offered nothing, neither play on the wing nor accurate crosses nor clear chances. He had a few opportunities, but not enough to meet expectations."
Sport
Sport was similarly cold in its own assessment and awarded the Englishman a modest five out of 10 rating. His performance was labelled "sterile" despite displaying some potential in his link-up play with fellow loanee Joao Cancelo.
"The Briton was quite lacklustre, never once getting past his marker, losing possession frequently, and looking uncomfortable," the summary read. "A missed opportunity in a match where he was completely unremarkable."
Coincidentally, his next chance to prove himself will arrive back on home turf this week. Barcelona travel to Newcastle in the Champions League's last 16 on Tuesday, with Rashford hoping to deliver a standout performance on familiar soil.
Marca
In its player assessments, Marca noted: "The Englishman had been a substitute in the last two matches and returned to the starting eleven at San Mamés. He wasn't sharp in the opening stages, even sending a cross well over the bar. A very discreet first half for the Englishman."
Rating Rashford five out of 10 for his display, the publication said of his second-half contribution: "He started this half with a powerful shot that forced a good save from Unai Simón. Little else. He left the pitch in the 62nd minute."