"If he isn't the best, he's up there."
It's not a stretch to argue that Sergio Busquets is the greatest holding midfielder of the last 15 years. His honours list with Barcelona includes eight Spanish league crowns, seven Copa del Reys and three Champions Leagues. With Spain, El Pulpo won the European Championship and the World Cup across a 14-year international career.
Then there are the countless plaudits he received from his more storied peers. "Without Busquets, Barcelona and Spain could never have achieved what we have achieved," said Xavi, now his manager at Barcelona. When Sergio Ramos was at Real Madrid, he said of his own team: "There are a number of players I like, but the one we perhaps need is Busquets.” The late Johan Cruyff described Busquets as a "gift for any coach".
