Anthony Gordon is a better fit for Hansi Flick's Barcelona than Marcus Rashford was, so says Deco.

Gordon joined Barca in a big-money move from Newcastle United this summer.

That was despite Barca holding an option to buy Rashford, who spent last season on loan at the Blaugrana from Manchester United.

Rashford contributed to 25 goals (14 goals, 11 assists) in 49 appearances last term as Barca won LaLiga once again.

Gordon, however, has got off to a flying start. He has already laid on four assists at Barca, and the club's sporting director Deco feels the England winger is a fantastic fit.

"We are extremely grateful to Rashford," Deco told RAC1.

"He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony.

"His style fits with what the coach [Hansi Flick] is looking for.

"We see every training session and analyse the team.

"We have a clear idea what we're looking for. One of the areas we struggled last season, without Raphinha, was that the team's energy dropped. It was lost.

"We needed more intensity. We analysed a lot of wingers. Signing someone from the Premier League is almost impossible, but [Flick] was clear with what he wanted and we worked on a deal from there."

Barca also spent big to bring in Rodri to bolster their midfield, though the Blaugrana did not ultimately get a deal over the line for Bernardo Silva, who has joined Real Madrid.

Deco, however, said it was not a case of missing out on the Portugal playmaker.

"He wasn't what we were looking for in the end," Deco explained. "I love him. He's one of the best in the world in his position.

"He wanted to come to Barca, but things didn't move forward because we have certain parameters. It wasn't just a financial issue, it was also about playing time.

"It's not up to me to say if he is going to play or not, that's the coach's decision. But he had a different perception to us after playing [regularly] at City. He wanted to play."