Sergio Busquets’ Most Frequent Teammates XI – From Goalkeeper to Attack
Sergio Busquets is preparing to retire at the end of the MLS season, bringing down the curtain on a career that spanned nearly two decades at the very top. The Spanish midfield maestro made 722 appearances for Barcelona, the third most in the club’s history, and was the heartbeat of a side that dominated world football under Pep Guardiola and beyond. He lifted nine LaLiga titles, three Champions Leagues, and won the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship with Spain. To honor his incredible journey, we take a look at the 11 players he shared the pitch with most frequently, building the ultimate XI of his most trusted teammates — moving from goalkeeper all the way to the attacking trio.
Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen – 329 Games
Ter Stegen has been Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper for almost a decade, providing consistency and reliability between the posts. His superb distribution and calmness under pressure allowed Busquets and the team to play their trademark possession football without fear.
Left-Back: Jordi Alba – 565 Games
Alba was Busquets’ constant partner on the left flank, offering blistering pace and intelligent runs that stretched defenses. Their telepathic understanding often led to decisive assists and goals, with Alba’s overlaps becoming a key part of Barcelona’s attacking play.
Centre-Back: Carles Puyol – 177 Games
Puyol was the captain, warrior, and inspirational figure who guided Busquets during his early years at the club. His leadership and defensive discipline helped lay the foundation for Barcelona’s era of dominance.
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Centre-Back: Gerard Piqué – 605 Games
Piqué and Busquets were two of the smartest players on the pitch, combining technical ability with tactical awareness. Together, they formed the backbone of both Barcelona and Spain’s success, bringing stability and elegance to the defensive unit.
Right-Back: Dani Alves – 328 Games
Alves was one of the most influential full-backs in football history, providing creativity, energy, and relentless attacking support. His combination play with Busquets and the midfielders made Barcelona’s right side almost unstoppable.
Defensive Midfielder: Sergio Busquets – 972 Games
The man at the center of it all, Busquets revolutionized the defensive midfield role with his intelligence, composure, and positional mastery. He dictated the tempo, shielded the defense, and was the pivot around which Barcelona’s entire game plan revolved.
Central Midfielder: Xavi Hernández – 314 Games
Xavi was Busquets’ mentor and the orchestrator of Barcelona’s passing game. Together, they formed a midfield partnership that controlled games with precision, making the Catalan club the most dominant side of its era.
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Central Midfielder: Andrés Iniesta – 441 Games
Iniesta added elegance and creativity, turning control into brilliance in the final third. Alongside Busquets, he ensured Barcelona’s midfield was a perfect blend of defensive stability and attacking imagination.
Left Winger: Neymar Jr. – 158 Games
Neymar brought flair and unpredictability to Barcelona’s attack, dazzling defenders with his skill and creativity. His partnership with Busquets and the rest of the MSN trio helped deliver some of the club’s most iconic goals.
Striker: Luis Suárez – 323 Games
Suárez was the clinical finisher at the center of Barcelona’s attack, combining ferocity with intelligence. His movement, pressing, and link-up play with Messi and Busquets made Barcelona’s forward line a nightmare for defenders.
Right Winger: Lionel Messi – 639 Games
Messi is the player Busquets played with the most, and together they shared an era of unprecedented success. The Argentine’s genius, paired with Busquets’ ability to find him in space, produced some of football’s most memorable moments.
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