Sergi Busquets - Report

Sergi Busquets is the latest product of the Barcelona youth academy, that has already produced international superstars and fellow team mates Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. Much like his compatriots it looks like the Catalan side has unearthed a real gem of a player in Busquets.

However, in contrast to the stereotypical Spanish midfielder, Busquets’ talents lie in his strong build and ball winning skills. Playing defensive midfield, Busquets’ importance to the team is widely underrated. His compact and tidy approach to the game allows Barcelona to field two more creative midfield players, with the insurance of Busquets’ excellent ball retention and short passing accuracy sitting in front of the back four. Another key quality in Busquets’ game is his versatility. Although a natural midfielder, Busquets’ uncanny ability to read the game and position himself well allows him to contently play at centre back, making him a great asset to the squad.

All of these characteristics were impossible to ignore as Busquets exploded onto the scene in his debut season in the Spanish top flight. The confidence in Busquets from his manager Josep Guardiola was apparent throughout the season, as Busquets went from strength to strength after his first appearance on 13 September 2008, keeping out fellow international midfielders Yaya Toure and Seydou Keita for his place in the team.

Busquets was soon rewarded for his league form internationally, getting the U21 call up for the European Championship qualifier versus Switzerland. However Busquets fulfilled his lifetime dream in April 2009, by representing the full national team in a World Cup qualifier against Turkey. A Champions League Final starting place capped a monumental first season for Busquets, appearing 41 times and scoring 3 goals for his club.