Hansi Flick believes Marcus Rashford has already become a “very important player” at Barcelona as the forward continued his strong start to life in Spain.

Rashford was on the scoresheet again for La Blaugrana as they beat Elche 3-1 in LaLiga, with the England international scoring their third of the match after first-half goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres.

The 28-year-old has now been directly involved in 11 goals for Barcelona this season, a total only bettered by Kylian Mbappe (20) and Julian Alvarez (12) among LaLiga players.

The Manchester United loanee has contributed with either a goal or an assist in his last three games in all competitions as Barca sit five points behind Real Madrid in La Liga.

Flick expressed his joy when asked about Rashford’s impact on the team, but insisted he can still score more goals.

“When you see the chances he has, one or two goals more will be good, also for him,” said Flick.

“But we can be happy with him, of course. I am very happy with him.

“He can play on this level and I am happy he shows it, for the fans and for the club, and also for the teammates he is a very important player.”

And when asked about his performance, Rashford shared the same sentiment as Flick.

“I just try to do the right things on the pitch,” Rashford told reporters. “Even today, I could have had more assists or goals, sometimes the decision making to shoot or pass was wrong.

“But I am going to have days like this. The important thing is always the team and today we won. So I am happy for this.

“My focus is not so much on the output. If I am doing the right things, I know I will always be able to score and assist; my focus is with the team, to build relationships and feel comfortable.”

Flick’s side will face Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday before a trip to Celta Vigo on the weekend ahead of the international break.