Sergio Busquets, alongside Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique, made history on Saturday.
The 32-year-old lifted his seventh Copa del Rey at Estadio de La Cartuja, tying with legendary figure Agustin Piru Gainza.
And Busquets‘ impact in Barcelona‘s 4-0 final win over Athletic Club was another reminder of the incredible consistency he has shown in a Barcelona shirt.
The midfielder is into his 13th season at the club and has made at least 40 appearances in each of those campaigns.
That’s despite the signings of countless other midfielders who have often challenged his status, a prime example being Miralem Pjanic‘s arrival this term. But the Bosnian – like many others – has found ‘Busi‘ unmoveable.
Busquets‘ debut came on September 13, 2008, under Pep Guardiola, against Racing Santander at the Camp Nou.
He went on to feature in 41 matches that year, and since then he has become one of the Barcelona dressing room’s leaders.
Current Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman was slow to warm to Busquets, but – like many other bosses at the club over the years – he has come to realise what an asset the veteran schemer is, whether in a 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2.
Indeed, the 3-5-2 has probably favoured Busquets the most as it has meant less running – never his strong point.
Busquets, with a contract until 2023, looks set to be a part of Barcelona‘s spine for some years to come yet.
And as a key part of Luis Enrique’s Spain side too, he could walk off with another trophy in the summer – that of the European Championship.
