Assessing how high Marcus Rashford can go

By James Peril

Assessing an embryonic talent is not always an easy task, since you have to take notice of all factors and attributes which will define the player’s progress into a star.

Over the past two seasons, we have witnessed the parts of Marcus Rashford’s game which will possibly make him a world-class player one day.

His obvious level of brilliance at such an early age is of course very essential, but players peak at different ages and so it might be anyone’s guess when he will actually become the finished product.

Some youngsters find their red-hot form between the ages of 18 and 20 but never really develop any further, keeping basically the same level.

Have I seen enough from Rashford to hold high hopes for him? Definitely. He already seems like he has played in the Premier League for years and years, he is not afraid of challenging or doing something special, good traits for a winger/striker. His finishing is up and down, but I also see hints of him being special in this department in the future.

Able to curl the ball in the corner, a bit like Henry and Ronaldo. Some players are happy to just hit the ball once they are in position, he thinks/acts on instinct, he sees the corner before he strikes the ball. With age and experience, this is something he will develop and fine tune for sure.

Rashford should be kept and he should play a whole lot, but he should not be the starter for a club such as Man United yet. I think he would be more than happy to stay in that capacity anyway, I do not think he is keen on leading the line on his own like Zlatan did this season.

He needs time to rest and develop, he needs to afford going on a dry spell and having a few stinkers every now and again. Ability does not develop on a linear path, although GlastonSpur seems to think so in terms of his precious Tottenham-players as they grow one year older.

Who knows if Rashford will take that step next season and become even more clinical or better on the ball in front of goal, or if he will stay totally the same for three years? We just have to see and the coaches just have to do their best to help him.

He is not anywhere the level of Kylian Mbappe though. His asking price has increased for a reason, you can see that insane killer instinct and touch. Staying fit, I can only see immense things for Mbappe in the future. That pace combined with technique and finishing is worth whatever is costs.