3 Barcelona players from whom more was expected in the pre-season

Ernesto Valverde
Ernesto Valverde

2. Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets has been Barcelona's first-choice defensive midfielder over the last decade. He is widely praised for his passing, intelligence and ability to win the ball. The veteran midfielder also has outstanding fitness levels.

However, his decline in performance has been evident lately.

Last season, Busquets was criticized for his lack of pace. Speed has never been the 31-year-old's best attribute, but his pace problem has cost Barcelona's defense dearly in recent times.

His less-than-stellar form continued during the pre-season campaign. He struggled to keep the ball at times and even gifted away a goal during the Chelsea game.

Busquets barely had any competition before Barcelona signed Frenkie de Jong. However, the former Ajax starlet was arguably Barcelona's best player throughout the pre-season tour. Thus, Busquets would have a hard time if he is unable to improve on his showings soon.

The Spaniard did score a goal against Napoli, but that is unlikely to compensate for his defensive shortcomings.

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