Marcus Rashford preseason numbers compared to Nico Williams

Barcelona’s summer transfer window was filled with anticipation and speculation, particularly after the club turned its focus from long-term target Nico Williams to a more high-profile acquisition—Marcus Rashford. The English forward joined the Catalan giants after Nico surprisingly decided to stay put at Athletic Bilbao, renewing his contract and snubbing a move to the Camp Nou. This shift in the transfer strategy has sparked intense debate among fans, with many eager to see how Rashford would fare in comparison to the young Spanish winger they missed out on.

As both players took to the pitch during their respective pre-season campaigns, the comparisons were inevitable. Rashford, under the guidance of new Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, has already shown flashes of brilliance and promise. In three appearances so far, the 27-year-old forward has registered one goal and one assist, earning him an average match rating of 7.2. While those may not be world-beating numbers, they indicate a player steadily finding his rhythm in a new system and environment.

In contrast, Nico Williams has played just two preseason matches for Athletic Club and is yet to open his scoring account. His average rating stands at 6.2—far from disastrous, but certainly underwhelming compared to the expectations that surrounded him after an impressive season and standout performances for the Spanish national team. The lack of immediate impact in preseason has fueled conversations among Barcelona fans about whether the club dodged a bullet or missed out on a long-term gem.

What stands out in Rashford’s early performances is his adaptability. Hansi Flick, speaking after Rashford’s debut goal for the club, expressed satisfaction with how the former Manchester United man has adjusted to his tactical demands. “We wanted to see how he adapted to the position,” Flick remarked. “He responded well and looked sharp. He offers us something different, something powerful in transition and in one-on-one scenarios.”

This endorsement from Flick suggests that Rashford may not only be a temporary solution but a player who could thrive long-term in Barcelona’s evolving attack. His directness, pace, and versatility are qualities the team has lacked in recent years, especially on the left flank, where Barcelona has often rotated between underperforming or inconsistent options.

On the other hand, Nico Williams’ preseason lull has opened up criticism, especially from sections of the Barcelona faithful who previously championed his signing. Many have pointed out that while Nico shone with La Roja during international fixtures, he often struggles to replicate that form consistently at the club level. Some argue that playing alongside elite talents like Lamine Yamal and Pedri with Spain elevates his game, whereas in Bilbao’s less dynamic setup, his limitations are more exposed.

The decision to stay at Bilbao might have offered Nico financial and emotional security, but some fans believe it could stunt his growth. “This guy made the biggest mistake of his life,” one comment read on Tribuna. “After he retires, he’ll talk about this as his biggest regret.” Though dramatic, it captures the sentiment of many who felt he should have taken the leap to Barcelona when the opportunity came knocking.

Meanwhile, Rashford’s presence has seemingly reinvigorated the squad and added healthy competition. His chemistry with young stars like Yamal and Fermin Lopez during preseason training sessions has not gone unnoticed, suggesting that he’s already building connections that could translate into on-field success once the season kicks off.

However, it’s essential not to draw sweeping conclusions from preseason alone. These matches, though important for building form and fitness, do not always reflect what will happen during the more intense pressure of La Liga and Champions League nights. Nico Williams could still start the season strongly, while Rashford could face dips in form. The true measure will come in high-stakes encounters and how both players perform over the long haul.

Still, if early signs are anything to go by, Rashford looks like a player with a point to prove—a man determined to silence his critics and reestablish himself among Europe’s elite after a turbulent year in Manchester. Barcelona, it seems, may have made a calculated decision based not just on talent, but on mentality and hunger.

In the end, comparing the two might prove fruitless in the long term, as both players are charting their own paths. But for now, as fans argue in the comment sections and pundits debate in studios, Marcus Rashford has edged ahead in this intriguing preseason showdown.

And for Barcelona, that may be the early validation they were hoping for.