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France’s media noticed something different about Aston Villa’s Marcus Rashford in second leg vs PSG
Despite his best efforts, Marcus Rashford wasn’t quite able to help Aston Villa complete a remarkable Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain.
Unai Emery once again made the bold decision to opt for Rashford ahead of Ollie Watkins in Villa’s biggest game of the season, a call the Spaniard wouldn’t have made lightly.
And whilst the Manchester United loanee was relatively subdued in the first half, he came alive in the second.
Rashford was a key part of Villa’s extraordinary resurgence at 5-1 down on aggregate and he provided a delightful assist for Ezri Konsa’s goal in the 57th minute, one that put Villa 3-2 up on the night.
Of course, Rashford was then replaced by Watkins just under 20 minutes later, a move that was perhaps a mistake by Emery judging how Villa’s attack then lost its momentum somewhat.
French media give their Marcus Rashford verdict vs PSG
That being said, after France’s media criticised Rashford following Villa’s first leg defeat in Paris, they were slightly more complimentary about the England international this time around.
Across the board the reviews were still pretty glum for the 27-year-old’s first half efforts, but it was noted that Rashford was ‘lively’ and making a difference in the second — a stark contrast to their previous verdict.
Giving Rashford a 6/10 rating, wrote: “Marcus Rashford initially showed himself to be lively but clumsy. The English striker, although he brought danger from deep, generally lacked spontaneity in his choices.
“A frustrating first half for him but also for his supporters, who were somewhat annoyed at times.
READ MORE: Stephen Warnock says Unai Emery made a big mistake in Aston Villa’s Champions League exit to PSG
“But his second half was of a completely different nature. More direct, more precise, he brought the danger and creativity that the Villans needed.
“He forced the Italian goalkeeper into an exceptional save. In the process, it was he who put the Villans in front after a great run and an exceptional assist for Konsa.”
Handing Rashford a 6.5/10 themselves, wrote: “Preferred to Watkins up front, the Aston Villa striker delivered a two-part performance.
“In his efforts, the Englishman was nevertheless impeccable and was interesting in his combinations, notably on Tielemans’ goal, but not very dangerous in the first half.
“After the break, the player on loan from Manchester United had a more interesting contribution.
“Checked by Donnarumma on a close-range shot then on a beautiful strike, he was the author of an enormous job for Konza’s goal.”
Unai Emery’s Marcus Rashford verdict
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the game, Emery gave a brief run-down on Rashford’s efforts, a performance which certainly justified his selection.
Villa are considering buying Rashford permanently, even if his huge wage packet could cause an issue at Villa Park.
But reviewing Rashford’s performance, Emery said: “He is feeling better and he played a fantastic match.
“We are very happy. If he is happy, we are happy.”
Clearly there must be appetite on Emery’s part at least to keep the Man United forward at the club long-term, a deal that Monchi is no doubt exploring.
That being said, Villa are confident of securing a bargain signing for their midfield, someone who will look to get the best of the club’s forwards in the years to come.