Hansi Flick has an important job to do this season, and luckily he has the resume to prove he is capable of rising to the challenge. The mission will be to take an underperforming former superstar, and make them great again.

Last season, he was able to accomplish the feat with Raphinha. This season, he’ll have to do the same with Marcus Rashford.

Rashford did not come to Barcelona to be a player on the periphery.

The Blaugrana knew they had to strengthen the frontline, but couldn’t afford Luis Diaz and were stood up by Nico Williams again. Rashford was third choice, but the need for a playmaker remained just as urgent.

The former Manchester United prodigy was once on top of the world. At the moment, he’s lost his mojo, but just like Raphinha a year ago, he’ll have to trust himself and be true to himself in order to start performing to his potential.

I don’t think Rashford can be a role player. With him, you have to give him the freedom to do what he does, and encourage him to get out of his head, and be willing to take risks.

It’s hard when you’re a new arrival at Barcelona. The expectations of playing the Barca way, and not making mistakes individual mistakes, have the potential to hurt a player like Rashford.

His job isn’t to fit in, it’s to make an impact. Opponents need to learn to fear him for his power and speed. That may mean at times he loses the ball, and that’s ok, so long as he also can demonstrate an ability and willingness to create danger.

Right now, in limited minutes, we are seeing a player who looks unsure of himself, and what’s expected of him. Like Thomas Tuchel said, there’s no wow factor.

Rashford should be looking at Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Ferran Torres, and be saying, no way you’re in front of me. He has to prove that he can be influential on the pitch.

At the moment, he is going to need some help from Hansi Flick.

A hand on the shoulder that says, I trust you, you’re here for a reason. You’re not just here to be another forward on the depth chart, you’re here to be Marcus Rashford. Take chances, be dangerous.

Part of me is curious to see what he can do as a center forward option.

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are too important to the team. If he is seen as a backup on the wing, he won’t be playing much.

Lewandowski will need rest. Potentially, a case could be made, if Rashford makes it, that tactically, he can provide something better in the position in Flick’s direct attacking system.

A lot will depend on what Rashford does with the minutes he’s given. A lot will also depend on the man management of Hansi Flick.

Rashford needs to feel loved again. He needs to be encouraged to play without thinking, and instead rely on the instincts that once made him one of the best in the world.

It’s not a feel good story we’re after. Barcelona need Rashford, as much as he needs them.

We’re already seeing that they won’t be able to simply pick back up where they left off last season.

There are new challenges ahead, and they need to adapt and keep getting better. That’s where a new addition like Marcus Rashford becomes important.

There’s no time like the present to seize the day and take advantage of the opportunities in front of you.

Hansi Flick and Marcus Rashford need one another. If they get it right, Barcelona will once again be a potent attacking force with the ability to conquer Spain and Europe.(Barca Blaugranes)

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