Barcelona forward Marcus Rashford has revealed the two teammates who have impressed him most ahead of his side’s ‘El Clásico’ clash against Real Madrid.
Rashford’s summer loan move from Manchester United to Barcelona raised a few eyebrows, but the England international has since proved his worth in Catalonia by providing five goals and six assists in 12 appearances for Hansi Flick’s side.
On Sunday, the Englishman will be hoping to make a positive impact when Barca take on Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first ‘El Clásico’ of the 2025/26 season.
The 27-year-old, who is contracted to parent club Man United until the summer of 2028, is clearly loving life in Spain and claimed that he wanted to stay at Barca when pressed on the topic during a recent interview with ESPN.
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Barcelona do have the option to make Rashford’s current season-long loan into a permanent transfer for a reported £26million fee.
Aside from being dropped from the starting XI by Flick for lateness ahead of Barca’s 3-0 win against Getafe last month, Rashford’s spell at Barca has been filled with positivity, with the forward appearing visibly happier both on and off the pitch.
Of course, trading life in cold, rainy Manchester for a new adventure in sunny northeastern Spain is enough to raise most people’s spirits, but combine this with playing for one of the most prestigious teams on the planet alongside some of the most exciting players, and it is easy to see why Rashford wants to remain at the La Liga champions.
But which of his teammates has impressed Rashford the most?
Well, the 27-year-old answered that exact question ahead of El Clásico as he named Lamine Yamal and Pedri as the two standouts in the Blaugranes squad.
Rashford explained to ESPN: "Lots of players have lots of qualities but probably the standouts are Lamine Yamal. And, for me, Pedri is unbelievable.
"I knew he was good before I played with him. But to play with him every day is unbelievable.”
Homing in on Pedri, he added: “His game understanding is clear. From when he first got into the first team here, his game understanding is one of the main strengths.
"Of course, his ability on the ball is clear to see. "If I had to say one thing? His dribbling. It's not surprising, his ball retention is so good, he rarely loses the ball.”
Real sit two points ahead of Barcelona at the summit of La Liga ahead of Sunday’s mouthwatering clash in the Spanish capital.
Topics: Marcus Rashford, Barcelona, El Clasico, La Liga, Football, Lamine Yamal, Pedri
Luke Davies