Marcus Rashford came off the bench to provide two assists for Aston Villa versus Chelsea as the Midlands side came from behind to earn victory over Enzo Maresca’s team at Villa Park
It has not taken Marcus Rashford long to convince some of the quality he can deliver for Aston Villa.
The forward, on loan from Manchester United, helped inspire a second-half comeback for the Villans against Chelsea on Saturday evening as he twice provided assists to record a 2-1 win. Rashford was introduced from the bench at the interval to deliver a Premier League assist for the first time since October.
After replacing Jacob Ramsey at half-time, Rashford proved a persistent threat up against Malo Gusto and provided telling contributions to get Unai Emery’s side back in the game. The speed of the 27-year-old’s impact was followed almost as quickly by the plaudits sent his way.
Following the game, ex-Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp waxed lyrical about the Villa star. Redknapp’s praise was in great contrast to comments that he had offered upon the completion of the loan deal earlier in the month
On this occasion however, the 51-year-old was more than happy to sing Rashford’s praises. Redknapp was also quick to point out that Villa found success where others did not dare to take the risk.
“That sub made all the difference,” said Redknapp. “He was fantastic. The Holte End have a new hero.
“Rashford came on, he gave energy, enthusiasm, everything we want to see from him. The running, the desire… he was excellent. He gave them that impetus to put Chelsea on the back foot.
“That’s how to do the transfer window. That’s a masterclass. You look at other clubs and how they didn’t bring players in.
“I’m sure there are directors of football around the world with their head in their hands right now thinking, ‘why didn’t I get Marcus Rashford. I get the doubts. I would have been nervous about doing it. But right now it looks like Villa have got great business done.
“I’m pleased for him. It has been tough. Don’t get me wrong, there are elements where he should have done better, should have tried harder. But he’s certainly found a place where he’s loved, a good environment. Great business for Aston Villa.”
Redknapp’s comments follow the concerns he raised when Aston Villa agreed a deal with United. The ex-Premier League ace had concerns about Rashford’s application for the Red Devils, and suggested that the move was a big gamble.
“But when you look at the last two years, and two years is a long time in football, It wasn’t a case of him being injured. Some of the clips of him strolling around went viral, I remember there was one against Luton when the ball was there and he was just jogging,” Redknapp explained earlier in February.
“You can’t do that when you’re a star player at Man United, you’ve got to be the man that’s going to lead from the front. You can talk about potential all day long but he is not a kid anymore. If this move happens for him it will be an unbelievable one, perhaps more than what he deserves right now because Villa’s a massive club.
“But it will be an opportunity to get his career going again, because that’s what he has got to do.” He added: “Marcus Rashford is a massive risk. Take away his talent, if he comes in and doesn’t want to perform or doesn’t buy into the environment, it can be detrimental too.”
It’s a risk which is immediately paying off for Villa, with his new team-mates similarly impressed with his impact.
Fellow January arrival Marco Asensio, who scored Villa’s first goal on Saturday, offered his praise: “We know all the qualities of Marcus. He helps us a lot and thank you also to him for the two assists.”
Youri Tielemans was even more effusive. “Marcus is someone who can threaten everyone one-v-one, even one-v-two,” the Belgian said.
“He’s very important for us in the way that he plays because he gives us something else on that left hand side, and I think you could tell today, every time he got the ball he was dangerous and hopefully with many more minutes in his legs he will get better.”
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