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The last decade has been the 'golden decade' for La Blaugrana, as they have featured some of the most iconic and prolific players the football world has ever seen. One such product of the Barcelona youth academy has been a sensation ever since his arrival in 2008.
With over 500 appearances for Barcelona, Sergio Busquets has been the pivot of Barca's midfield in the last decade. Forming an incredible partnership with Andres Iniesta and Xavi, Busquets has lifted more than 30 trophies in the last decade for both his national team and club.
However, Barcelona are currently short of a backup for the Spaniard, and they need to target a long-term replacement for him considering he could be hanging up his boots in a couple of years.
Here is a list of three such players, who have already been on the radar of Ernesto Valverde, and who could be heading to Camp Nou next summer or in the upcoming January transfer window.
(All Stats: Via Transfermarkt)
#3 Julian Weigl - Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund are looking strong this season; they are on top of the Bundesliga standings, leaving fierce rivals Bayern Munich trailing in their wake. Dortmund's excellence comes from the midfield, where the likes of Axel Witsel take control and move the ball around.
Another person who has been an extremely important element in the midfield area is Julian Weigl. The 23-year-old has grabbed the attention of some of the most prestigious clubs in Europe with his exploits this season.
Barcelona can certainly look to have him as a backup for Sergio Busquets, as he will add depth to the current lineup and can also be a full-time replacement for the Spaniard.
Weigl's versatility as a midfielder is something that would be extremely crucial as he can read the game and switch to a deeper role depending on the situation. That would enable aggressive playmaking for the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
As a defensive midfielder Weigl is a complete package, and he is known for his tackling abilities and pace.
#2 Thomas Partey - Atletico Madrid
Barcelona's rivals Atletico Madrid are known for one thing more than any other: efficient defense. Diego Simeone has established one of the most consistent and successful defenses in the world, which usually involves all of the players falling behind.
The defensive midfield area in particular has been a field of focus for Simeone for a long time. With the likes of Rodri, they have only gotten stronger.
Another player who has been a sensation ever since his arrival is Thomas Partey. His pace and agility have created a lot of complications for the opposition teams from his deep-lying holding position.
Partey is currently a backup for Rodri, and Barcelona can sign him up and give him a chance to be a backup for Busquets. Partey's ability to play anywhere in the midfield is something that Valverde could deploy very effectively. His playmaking ability is on point, and so is his fitness.
The £31.5 million rated midfielder can become one of the best players in the world if he goes to Camp Nou.
#1 Ruben Neves - Wolverhampton
Although he plays as a central midfielder with the Wolves, Neves is also a natural defensive midfielder. He often draws comparisons with the likes of Jorginho for his ability to stop the opposition and construct some of the most technical plays for his team.
The £36m rated midfielder has been a sensation ever since his arrival at the Molineux Stadium, and he has been an extremely important element in the Wolves' midfield.
Neves has been on La Blaugrana's radar since September as an alternative for Adrien Rabiot, who still isn't sure about his future. If Neves is to arrive at Camp Nou, he can be a great replacement for Busquets and can form a link between Coutinho, Arthur and himself, in order to build one of the best midfield trios in the world.
As a deep-lying playmaker, Neves can surely add depth and move the ball around the way Barcelona players normally do.
