'The mentality is fantastic' - Marcus Rashford 'on his best level' at Barcelona, says manager Hansi Flick

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It has been a resurgent start to the season for Marcus Rashford, who has found "his best level" mentally since joining Barcelona from Manchester United. That is what Barca manager Hansi Flick thinks, after being impressed with Rashford's response to losing his place in the team. Flick is confident Rashford has the right mentality to succeed with the Spanish giants, who face Osasuna next.

Rashford 'had to adapt' but is now 'at best level' - Flick

Video credit: SNTV

Marcus Rashford's mentality is at "his best level", according to Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.

After joining Barca on loan from Manchester United in the summer, Rashford has fallen down the pecking order somewhat for the Spanish champions in their hunt for a second successive La Liga title and UEFA Champions League success.

Rashford has started just one of Barcelona's last six games - which has consisted of four straight victories - with the likes of Ferran Torres and Raphinha preferred on the left-hand side.

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Despite his limited game time and roles off the bench, he has registered 16 goal contributions - six goals and nine assists - in 21 appearances domestically and in Europe.

And Flick was impressed with the England forward's attitude to losing his place in the team for the 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, before he came off the bench to set up the equaliser.

"When he [Rashford] is on the bench, it also shows we have a good team," Flick explained. "In this position we have excellent players. What I can say, he's an absolute professional player.

"His attitude, mentality is great. In the beginning, he had to adapt a little bit, but now he's on his best level.

"I speak with the players when they're not playing, explaining why, and what he said to me the last day was, 'Boss, you don't have to tell me this, it's only about the team. We have to win three points, nothing else is important'.

"It's the right attitude. The mentality he has is fantastic and I am really happy he is here."

Highlights: Rashford, Yamal help Barca complete comeback victory

Video credit: TNT Sports

Competition for places 'perfect' for Flick

Rashford started 10 games in a row ahead of the November international break, before vice-captain Raphinha returned from an injury.

Torres has also been deployed out wide, amid his battle with Robert Lewandowski for the No. 9 spot.

And the Spaniard has been in excellent form, netting 13 times in 20 appearances this season, which has consequently limited Rashford's time on the pitch.

"It increases the ceiling of every player when there is competition in the position, like with Ferran and Lewy," Flick said.

"It's good for the team; it's good for them to play at the highest level. What I can see in the last five weeks, it's amazing.

"Lewy, Ferran, it's perfect. For me, it's perfect."

Barcelona are next in action against Osasuna on Saturday, where they will hope to extend their lead at the top of the La Liga table to seven points, at least until Real Madrid and Villarreal play on Sunday.

In the Champions League, Barca sit 15th in the league phase table after their latest win over Frankfurt, and will contest for a top-eight finish and an automatic route to the last 16 in the remaining two matchweeks. They are currently two points adrift of Atletico Madrid in eighth.

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