One of the reasons that have led to FC Barcelona to lose in recent times its hegemony and control of many games is in the center of the field. The identity was declining since the departure of Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta, progressively, and the glow of yesteryear was fading.
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The successes have continued, but far from that level of assiduity that was a constant in Barcelona, always supported by that core that was the heart of Barça’s DNA. And in which Sergio Busquets It was a basic piece, to the point that a great midfielder like Yaya Touré had to pack his bags towards the Premier (where he shone), and Javier Mascherano also had to reconvert to central to survive, with quite a lot of success on the other hand.
The second captain has been one of the most assiduous and aligned players of the last decade, a key and silent piece of the successes of his club and the Spanish National Team at that time. With a contract until 2023, at 31 years old it seems that he is far from that great form of yesteryear but it is still essential. Despite the ups and downs on the bench, style changes and teammates, it has always been essential.
He will be a player who is missed when he is not there, because it has been impossible to find a replacement. Perhaps the key is to be able to dose it more, but with Quique Setién it is clear that it will continue to be important. FC Barcelona must find the best way to manage their last years of active service.
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