FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.09.2009 12:15

A year of consolidation

Roger Bogunyà

On another September 13th, Sergio Busquets became a man. Josep Guardiola gave him his first taste of top flight football in the home game against Racing Santander, just one year ago to the day. Since then, Busquets has continued to grow.

Sergio Busquets’ dreams came true just 12 months ago when he made his first team debut for FC Barcelona. And it wasn’t just a one-off. The player, from Badia del Vallès, went on to play the following week away at Sporting Gijon, where Barca notched their first win last season (1-6).

44 first team caps

Sergio Busquets eventually became a regular in Guardiola’s side last season, getting 40 caps plus four more already this season. His appearance included the Champions League and the Copa del Rey finals.

Three goals

In all those games, Busquets even managed to get three beautiful goals, including one away in Basle and at home to Shakhtar. His most crucial was the one he scored at home against Athletic Club in the final decisive stages of La Liga.

Barca style, Busquets style

Though it’s not his goals that are his most outstanding feature, but his mid-field work. He’s comfortable with the ball, facilitating Barca’s style. The real Busquets appears when he hasn’t got the ball, fighting in every 50/50 situation, using his physical strength even against more experienced opponents. He never backs out.

Also, for all these reasons, Busquets was one of the players who got most yellow cards awarded to opponents last season. He’s not an easy player to tackle.
Finally, Busquets’ position among the elite has also been recognised by the Spanish national team, for whom he has made six appearances.