Rivaldo makes his feelings clear on Barcelona signing Marcus Rashford as warning sent to Man Utd outcast
Rivaldo has spoken out on Barcelona signing Marcus Rashford, sending the Manchester United outcast a warning about his summer move to the Nou Camp.
Rashford made his first appearance for FC Barcelona in a pre-season friendly against Vissel Kobe on Sunday, coming off the bench for 33 minutes and registering one shot on target.
The 27-year-old has joined the Catalan giants on a season-long loan, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer for £26m.
And the 1999 Ballon d'Or winner has given his feelings on the deal, in a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo on behalf of Betfair.
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He said: "He has everything to excel, and even more so with the great coach he'll have at his side, that's going to help him a lot in his development.
"Being a different league than the English one, I think he'll have more opportunities, more chances to showcase his game and achieve something big there.
"He's a great player, without a doubt, and I think he'll excel.
However, he also warned Rashford that he will need to be patient to break into one of Europe's most potent attacks.
"Barcelona had a great season last year, so it's normal that he'll start on the bench," Rivaldo added.
"But I think that, little by little, he'll get into the swing of things, understand how the coach wants the team to play, how the dynamics work in training, and adapt.
"Over time, he'll earn his place."
Rashford is expected to feature primarily off the left wing, which is his preferred position.
But he will face tough competition from Brazilian winger Raphinha, who had an outstanding season during which he scored 34 goals and registered 25 assists.
Rivaldo had high praise for his countryman.
He added: "For me, Raphinha is among the five best players in the world today.
"I don't see any possibility of him leaving Barcelona's starting eleven."
Raphinha played 57 games last season for Barcelona and with the World Cup on the horizon, Hansi Flick will appreciate more depth and attacking options to rotate.
And Rashford's versatility is also appreciated at Barcelona.
He is capable of playing through the middle, as he showed at Aston Villa during a spell in which Ollie Watkins dropped to the bench.
Although Ferran Torres is viewed as the main back up for the veteran Robert Lewandowski in that position.
On the right wing, Lamine Yamal is still only 18 years old, but Rashford is less comfortable on that side of the attack.
Topics: FC Barcelona, Football, La Liga, Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, Rivaldo, Transfer News
James Taylor