Vicente del Bosque vindicated as time confirms his faith in Sergio Busquets

Former Spain manager Vicente del Bosque, who led the national team to World Cup victory, recently expressed his satisfaction with his belief in Sergio Busquets, stating that “time has proven me right.” Del Bosque had previously stated that if he were to be reincarnated as a player, he would choose to be a great pivote like Busquets. With the announcement of Busquets’ departure from Barcelona, it is likely that this marks the end of his career in Spanish football.

In an interview with Cadena SER, del Bosque praised Busquets for his ability to control the tempo of the game, a skill that only a few players possess at the highest level of football. He described Busquets as a “great defensive and offensive player” who brings balance to the team and sets the rhythm of the matches. Del Bosque emphasized the importance of Busquets’ position on the field, stating that the success of the team often depends on it and the rest of the players. He also highlighted Busquets’ selflessness, as he chose not to venture forward into the opponent’s box in order to protect the team defensively.

There was a time when Busquets faced doubts, particularly at the beginning of the 2010 World Cup campaign for Spain. After a loss to Switzerland in the opening game, del Bosque defended his decision to play both Xabi Alonso and Busquets together in midfield. He described the press conference at that time as necessary and successful, considering the difficult moment the team was facing and the high expectations.

Despite his role going unnoticed by many due to his lack of statistical achievements or flashy plays, Busquets played a pivotal role for Barcelona for nearly a decade. His presence on the field allowed the team to maintain control of the game and showcased the significant impact he had on those around him. Watching Barcelona play with and without Busquets highlighted his influence in stripping back their game and reducing their effectiveness in his absence.