Xavi has three options to replace Sergio Busquets
2022-07-29 17:03JAKARTA -- Xavi Hernandez has selected three players from the Barcelona squad to replace Sergio Busquets. Recent reports say the 2022/2023 season will be Busquets' last in the Catalan capital. After that, Busquets will move to MLS to start a new chapter.
You could say there is not a single player in Europe who can imitate what Sergio Busquets did at Barcelona in terms of his skills. But at the age of 33, Busquets doesn't have much left in his career, especially at Barcelona.
Xavi has to start preparing for life after Busquets, especially if he is building a long-term project. Although it is very clear that Barcelonaa will not be looking for a replacement in this year's transfer market.
According to Mundo Deportivo, as quoted by Barca Universal, Wednesday (27/7/2022), Xavi will rely on Nico Gonzalez, Miralem Pjanic (if he stays), and sometimes even Franck Kessie to replace Busquets next season.
Nico
For most of the 2020/2021 season, Nico was placed as a defensive midfielder by Garcia Pimienta at Barcelona B. However, he was used mainly as a classic 8 player during promotion.
Xavi will be looking to turn that around this season, as he has tried to use the Spaniard in the Busquets role during pre-season.
Nico holds the ball very well, and can take it high without fail. However, there are some serious doubts over his progressive passing, especially if he is forced to emulate Busquets.
On the other hand, he is clever defensively, physically. Unlike Busquets, he can handle fast defensive transitions.
Pjanic
In fact, there were far more chances of him leaving than staying. But his performance in midfield against Juventus yesterday was commendable.
If Xavi wants player No. His 6 always finding passing options, advancing the ball quickly and withstanding the pressure, Pjanic was the clear Busquets replacement.
His defensive position was a bit suspicious at times, but no other midfielder in the team reflected his passing range, and in his day the Bosnian was unplayable.
Kessie
Kessie is a much better defender than the aforementioned duo. He's proactive, reads the game brilliantly and can make tackles. However, his skills are best used in the field.
The Ivorian has a technical ability which when combined with his high pressure and goal-scoring prowess makes him the ideal number 8. He could be an option to play as a single axis when pushing forward.
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