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Report: Sergio Busquets started the season on a high note as he was a key member of the World Cup winning Spanish national team. He played in the familiar holding midfielder spot for Del Bosque's side and was one of few players to start every game in the tournament. He didn't get on the scoresheet, but his presence was felt in the midfield as he played the important disruptive role.
With FC Barcelona Busquets started the season also in his natural defensive midfielder role, but this season he had competition in one of the best at the position, Javier Mascherano. Sergio wasn't intimidated, whats more, he played at an world class level. He was steady while defending and while on the attack he was always available for a pass.
Busquets was forced to make a move to defense when several Barcelona's defenders fell victim to injuries. Sergio played in the heart of defense in the 2009/10 season and played very well, but this season was different. He and Gerard Pique struggled together, especially when they faced speedy forwards.
So another move was made, this time Busquets moved back to his natural position. He returned to being his cool and composed self. Sergio brings a certain calmness to the midfield and is one of few Barcelona players that can challenge opposing players in the air. A rare fault in the young man's game has to be his occasional theatrics. It's sad that some people remember Busquets for his rolling on the ground and not for his true football talents.
Moment of the season: Defensively Busquets plays a quiet game and all the plays he makes without the ball are not worthy of this section. The goal he scored in the Arsenal game also doesn't count (you know which one I'm talking about). Sergio did, however, score one into the right net. It came on 25 September at San Mames in Bilbao where Barcelona won 1-3 with the third Barca goal coming after a powerful shot by Busquets.
Athletic de Bilbao vs FC Barcelona 1-3 Goal Busquets (25.09.2010) HD (via MegaclubsTV)
Stats:
| Appearances | 46 |
| Games started | 42 |
| Started on the bench | 15 |
| Substitute in | 4 |
| Substitute out | 4 |
| Minutes played | 3980 |
| Goals scored | 1 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Shots | 12 |
| Shots on goal | 4 |
| Fouls committed | 56 |
| Fouls suffered | 112 |
| Yellow cards | 9 |
| Red cards | 0 |
Record with Sergio Busquets in the starting lineup: 33-7-2
2011/12 Outlook: Sergio will return as the player of choice at defensive midfielder. He will have to share some of the playing time with the always improving Mascherano, but Busquets will surely get the bulk of appearances. You can expect steady play from the Spanish international and the occasional unnecessary face clenching.
Next up: Xavi Hernández
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