We continue our top 100 players 21 and under with the World Class category. These players are grouped by talents who who are capable of one day challenging for the Ballon d’Or.
Name: Marcus Rashford
Club: Manchester United
Age: 20
Position: Forward
Strengths: Versatility, dribbling, big-match attitude, passing, commitment
Weaknesses: Finishing, excessive selflessness
Style: Anthony Martial’s damaged hamstring changed the trajectory of Marcus Rashford’s life. A twinge in the warm-up led to a surprise debut for a spindly 18-year-old in February 2016’s Europa League round-of-32 tie against Denmark’s FC Midtjylland. Two goals followed and Rashford has been a regular for club and country ever since, also going on to score in his first Manchester derby, Champions League assignment and England cap. From the disaster of his nation’s Euro 2016, the skillful Manchester-native was one of a few to emerge with any credit. And yet, he comes into 2018/19 with doubts swirling about whether he’ll ever consistently cut it at elite level. At Rashford’s best, he is a bold dribbler, deft passer, dynamic runner and a finisher of genuine ingenuity – see his recent back-heeled volley at West Ham United. This intrepid character is now often shunted into obscurity out wide; the time has come to steal back centre stage.
What’s been said about him:
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho: “He is Marcus Rashford, Manchester United player, with an incredible number of appearances and an incredible number of minutes played at the highest level in the best possible competitions.
Former United manager Louis van Gaal: “I went to Ajax and Patrick Kluivert, at 18-years old, made the same performance as Marcus Rashford.”
England boss Gareth Southgate: “I’m really pleased for him. We know how exciting he is, we know that he’s going to be a top player. He’s got a super mentality, he’s great to work with.”
Forecast for 2019: It isn’t a stretch to say that Rashford finds himself at a crossroad. Should he stay at United, or pursue greater first-team opportunities elsewhere? Is he a striker, winger or playmaker? Where has the fearless finisher who emerged under Louis van Gaal gone? These are all serious questions. Now, he must supply serious answers. His conclusions should define the next decade of a promising career.
