Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets was named in the Champions League Team of the Year (2014/15), after this summer’s European triumph with the Catalan giants over Juventus, which served as deserved recognition for a player often in the shadows of his illustrious teammates. The 26-year-old sealed a treble with Barcelona (La Liga, Champions League, Copa Del Rey) for the second time in seven years of senior football , taking his trophy total to 19 for the club.
Busquets is a very underappreciated player in the anchorman position, as his job can be simplified to just two roles: win back the ball, and retain possession. It sounds an easy task, but the Spaniard is a master of protection to his defence, and this season he’s been at his best for the La Liga giants. In 33 league appearances, Busquets has averaged a tackle or interception every 17 minutes in games, and helped Barcelona to an unrivalled 23 clean sheets (21 goals conceded).
Few players win back the ball like the cultured midfielder, and when in possession, seldom does Busquets relinquish it. The 26-year-old completes almost 92% of his passes per game, with 81% of his long passes reaching their intended target too. Typical of a Spanish midfielder at the heart of the side, Busquets’ vision has been applauded, as he can make defence-splitting passes that set up attacks.
The academy starlet made his debut for the first-team under former manager Pep Guardiola, and has enjoyed a trophy-laden career ever since. He shone after being introduced to the senior side, and has been a regular despite world-class midfielders providing competition for places in his time at the Nou Camp. He had Xavi Hernandez and Andreas Iniesta alongside him during Barcelona’s most successful period, with the trio forming a potent relationship on the pitch that led to the tiki-taka domination in Europe for three years.
It’s no secret that Barcelona’s successful years have come with Busquets playing a key role as the heartbeat of the side, and few players match his ability in his position. He provides protection, and is the link between defence and the attack at times. Being the anchorman is a selfless task that will often see his performances ignored in favour of the attacking stars in the team, but his past managers has never taken him out of the side for a prolonged period, which is testament to his ability.
Is Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets the best anchor-man in world football?
