A troubling feeling has begun to creep into the Barcelona dressing room, one that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Some of the young talents within the squad, most notably Lamine Yamal, have noticed that the team’s tactical balance is clearly affected by Marcus Rashford’s presence in the starting lineup. The issue isn’t personal but purely technical: the English player doesn’t seem to fit with the team’s collective style of play.
The impact on the pitch is evident, especially when Rashford plays on the left wing. The attacking play becomes predictable, and the team’s cohesion and positioning suffer—unlike players such as Rafinha or Ferran Torres, who know how to create space and exploit timing with precision.
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The problem is compounded defensively. Pressing after losing possession is weak, leaving the team vulnerable in crucial matches. The left wing is frequently exposed, disrupting the team’s defensive balance and leaving them susceptible to counterattacks.
From the perspective of these young players, the club needs wingers who understand positioning, know when to accelerate or slow down, and work off the ball to support the team’s overall play. Rashford tends to play individually and make isolated runs, which reduces his effectiveness and weakens the team’s performance when he starts.
The result is clear in the dressing room: Rashford’s presence disrupts the team’s balance and cohesion, making it harder to win titles. This isn’t due to a lack of individual quality but rather a breakdown in collective harmony. In a project aiming to rebuild the team on the foundations of identity and teamwork, it has become clear that his departure might be the best option to strengthen the squad and restore tactical balance.
