Thomas Tuchel has urged Marcus Rashford to make the most of his talent and reach his full potential.
Tuchel believes the forward could be one of the best in the world but warned him not to look back on his career regretting “what could have been.”
Rashford, who is currently on a season-long loan with La Liga champions Barcelona from Manchester United, has made a strong start to his spell in Spain.
The 27-year-old has appeared in 10 matches across all competitions this season, adding three goals and providing four assists - the highest goal contribution tally in the Barca squad.
Last season, Rashford enjoyed a productive Premier League loan spell at Aston Villa as well, contributing four goals and five assists in the second half of the campaign.
His positive form eventually earned him a recall to Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad in back March.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
So, what did Tuchel say about Rashford?
Speaking ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia on Tuesday (October 14), Tuchel stressed that Rashford’s talent is unquestioned but that consistent performances are key.
“It’s not a question of talent, it’s a question of whether he can prove the point at club and international level,” Tuchel told reporters.
England will face Latvia at Daugavas Stadiona, where a win will secure their place at next summer’s FIFA World Cup.
The forward is seeking to revive his career this season after falling out of favour at his boyhood club United, with manager Ruben Amorim publicly criticising him for not giving his all in training.
Tuchel emphasised that Rashford still has time to make the right choices, warning that failing to reach his potential would leave him disappointed when he looks back on his career.
“I think the limit for him is very, very high. Maybe higher than for others,” Tuchel said. “He has the potential, but potential is a dangerous word in high-level sports.
“You have to reach your personal best on a regular basis. That is what is demanded at this level, and that is the challenge for him.
“He can be one of the best in the world because of the quality I see in training, the finishing with both legs and with the head.
“He is explosive, he is fast, he is strong in the air, so where are the limits? There are no limits, but the numbers don’t reach their potential, it is as simple as that.”
Barcelona news and related links
- Barcelona handed major injury blow with key forward set to miss upcoming Clasico
- Barcelona star faces El Clasico race against time as injury crisis deepens
- Fermin Lopez brushes off Premier League rumors and affirms commitment to Barcelona