Rashford & Roony: Peas in a pod
The Swedish and English wingers rocked up at the Catalan club around the same time, with Bardghji's signing being announced just over a week before the Catalan club brought Rashford in from United on an initial loan deal. The pair are at different stages of their careers - Bardghji is 19 and Rashford is 27 - and their on-field fortunes with the Spanish champions have differed so far. The Englishman has already earned a place in the starting XI and has five goals under his belt while Bardghji has mainly been used from the bench, having started two of his six appearances. Nevertheless, it appears the pair have grown close off the field.
Bardghji reiterates Rashford friendship
Not long after his arrival, Bardghji spoke of his budding friendship with the England international and it appears the relationship is still blossoming as the teenager singled out Rashford again.
"I'm very close to Rashford," he told Bein Sports. "We arrived at the same time, so everything was new for us. We always trained together, doing drills. Everything was new, so yes, we're pretty close. But, I mean, the whole team helped me a lot."
Barca's calculated risk with Rashford & Roony
Rashford was snapped up by Barcelona after a dismal period at United. After coming through the youth academy to become one of the team's top stars, his situation grew dire under Erik ten Hag and did not improve when Ruben Amorim took over. He bounced back with a positive loan spell at Aston Villa in the second-half of last season but opted to leave the Premier League altogether in the summer when Hansi Flick's side came calling. He has already declared his intention to stay at the Catalan club on a permanent basis.
Similarly, Bardghji rose from Copenhagen's U-19 squad and stunned in the senior team by scoring seven goals in 19 league games in 2023-24. However, it was his and Copenhagen's exploits in the Champions League - they beat Manchester United and Galatasaray and drew with Bayern Munich - that saw him catch the eye of Barcelona, among other sides. Despite missing almost the entirety of last season with a cruciate ligament tear, Barca were already convinced and opted to sign him in July.
Bardghji names his Barcelona idols
While Rashford is the man lifting the Sweden international's spirits these days, it is the heroes of the past who encouraged Bardghji to make the move to the Camp Nou club, as he named Argentine icons Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona are his idols.
He said: "Apart from Messi, I've always said this, but... Maradona. Well, Maradona. I know it wasn't my era, but I've still seen him, I watch football, I watch clips, I see everything. My father told me about him. And he was very, very left-footed, really very good. So imagine if he'd also had a good right foot... he would have been unstoppable. But yes, Maradona, I think if it's not Messi, then it would be him."
Barcelona eye Clasico showdown against Real Madrid
Rashford was in sublime form in Barca's Champions League tie against Olympiacos in midweek, where he scored a brace and provided an assist to dismantle the Greek side 6-1. He was used as a No.9, with Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal adding power to the offensive third. Bardghji, meanwhile, came off the bench for in a 15-minute cameo and delivered his first assist for Barcelona so far.
With a Clasico showdown against rivals Real Madrid coming this weekend, Rashford will be expected to lead Barca's attack at the Santiago Bernabeu, while Bardghji is expected to start on the bench again.
"I've always watched these matches, so of course it's a huge game," he said. "And, like I said, I feel like everything's getting better and better, and I'm extremely happy right now. I'm feeling confident, which is, of course, important for a footballer. So I'm going into the next game with a lot of confidence. I think the team is confident too; everyone is looking forward to it. So yes, we're ready, and especially me, for my first Clasico. I'm fully prepared."