Will Marcus Rashford Lead FC Barcelona as Striker Against Como in Joan Gamper Trophy?

Last season's Domestic Treble winner, FC Barcelona, had a strong preseason tour in Asia, winning all three matches against Vissel Kobe (3-1), FC Seoul (7-3), and Daegu FC (5-0). These results showed that Hansi Flick will continue with his line in the upcoming season. The Catalan-based team scored 15 goals in total before coming back to Barcelona for the last game of preseason, also known as the Joan Gamper Trophy. The Asian tour saw some academy graduates, as well as the new signing in the town, Marcus Rashford, score their first goal for the best club in the world. Meanwhile, players like Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres made sure that their game remains up to par before the new season commences.

While everything looked sorted under the supervision of the German coach Hansi Flick, a few incidents like Marc Andre Ter Stegan's controversy, Inigo Martinez leaving the club and an injured striker Lewandowski forced the manager to rethink the formation he had thought he would go with in the last preseason game. However, with the likes of Joan Garcia and Ronald Araujo as the new first captain, FC Barcelona are unlikely to suffer a blow at the backline, but the main question comes as who is going to play as striker in the upcoming Joan Gamper Trophy in the absence of one of the greatest strikers in the world.

How Marcus Rashford Fits as a Number 9 in FC Barcelona Squad

A name that comes to mind to replace this Polish striker is Marcus Rashford, as it is unlikely that Hansi Flick in his very first important match, will play a new striker who has played for 0 minutes in previous matches. Marcus Rashford played in all three matches for FC Barcelona, starting with a lively debut against Vissel Kobe, where he stretched defenses with his runs. Against FC Seoul, he provided an assist, showing his ability to link up with teammates. He scored his debut goal for the Catalans in the last match of the Asian tour.

The table above shows that Marcus Rashford is the closest to Robert Lewandowski in terms of direct contributions to the team. Additionally, his work rate and pressing ability to cut the lines up top make him the best fit for the number 9 role in the absence of Robert Lewandowski. However, we have seen Flick play Ferran at the number 9 position in the absence of Lewandowski last season, which can happen tonight also, but there are chances he will go with Marcus Rashford as a new striker for FC Barcelona, given his height, pace, and ability to press.

How will FC Barcelona lineup against Como

With the departure of one of the best La Liga defenders, Inigo Martinez and injured players like Ter Stegan and Lewandowski, the Joan Gamper Trophy will be the last test of Hansi Flick & Co. before the new season starts with high expectations.

FC Barcelona lineup vs Como for the Joan Gamper Trophy.

GK: Joan García
DF: Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, Alejandro Balde
MF: Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi
FW: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Marcus Rashford / Ferran Torres