Sergio Busquets - Spain's secret weapon
Spain's secret weapon
Posted: 2010-07-11 14:43
Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets is seen as the team's silent hero. The Barcelona man, however, plays a very critical role.
While the attention naturally shifts to ball players Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, a player who simply sticks to the basics, like Busquets does, will not exactly hog the headlines.
But the hard work Busquets (22) does to allow those around him to take risks and set up goal chances, is very important.
"I tried to help, sometimes it goes well and other times it doesn't but the important thing is to have the desire, help the team and [your] teammates," Busquets told Catalan sports paper Sport.
"I've always felt important. The coaching staff and my teammates have supported me both on and off the pitch. I've been able to play a lot and I'm appreciative of that."
Busquets and Xabi Alonso have formed a deadly central midfield combination, which is the foundation from which Xavi, Iniesta and David Villa attack.
Without them, Spain would not play such a free, attacking game.
With Alonso's precise short and long passing ability, arguably the best range of passing you'll see anywhere in the world, Busquets doesn't have to worry about trying imaginative passes.
"He keeps it simple, winning the ball and passing then moving into space. All the while protecting the defence," says former Dutch and Barcelona legend Ronald Koeman.
The battle lines have been drawn. It's the Spanish midfield stars versus Holland's own group of midfield talent.
Whichever team comes out tops tonight will have their midfielders to thank.
: 2010-07-11 18:08
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