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#3 Fabian Ruiz | SSC Napoli
Fabian Ruiz is another interesting option for Barcelona to consider in their search for Busquets' replacements. Purely in terms of the ability to keep the game ticking in midfield and recycling possession, Ruiz is, perhaps, the most well-equipped player on this list and just turned 25 earlier this month.
The former Real Betis midfielder moved to Naples in 2018 and has impressed profoundly with his displays with the Partonopei playing in various systems and carrying out different roles. Ruiz averages nearly 75 passes per game from the heart of Napoli's midfield and attempts 14 long balls with an 85% completion rate.
Ruiz has been linked with a return to Spain for some time now after a few impressive campaigns in Naples, and Barcelona could capitalise on the situation to bring the Spanish international to the Nou Camp. He has the added advantage of being a left-footed player, which can add a different dimension to their midfield.
#2 Marcelo Brozovic | Internazionale
Internazionale's Marcelo Brozovic is the oldest player on this list, making him a readymade player for Barcelona should they choose to phrase Busquets out in the immediate future. The Croat has been incredible as the lynchpin for Antonio Conte's midfield and is on course to help Inter win their first Scudetto since 2010.
Brozovic usually operates in front of Inter's defence in a sitting role, breaking up opposition attacks and utilising his superb passing range to find his teammates higher up the pitch. Only two midfielders in Serie A have played more passes into the final third and clocked up more touches on the ball than Brozovic, who also averages a sublime 7.31 progressive passes and 12.4 accurate long balls per 90.
Brozovic's experience playing in front of a back three gives the Croat an edge over most others on this list, given that Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has relied upon a three-man defence this season. If Barcelona can manage to get the Nerazzurri man to the Nou Camp, he could prove to be an excellent replacement for Busquets.
#1 Manuel Locatelli | Sassuolo
Heading into the summer transfer window, there is no player who ticks more boxes for Barcelona than Manuel Locatellias they look to phase Busquets out. After a decade at AC Milan, Locatelli moved on to Sassuolo where he's emerged as one of the best deep-lying playmakers or registas in Europe at the moment.
The 23-year-old has been in surreal form during the 2020/21 campaign and has forced his way into Roberto Mancini's plans for the Azzurri as well. Locatelli averages 85 passes per 90 — the highest of anyone on this list — along with 7.7 progressive passes and 5.5 progressive carries. He has been incredible at winning the ball back and keeping control of the possession in the middle.
No Serie A player has registered more touches (2643) or played more passes into the final third (225) than Locatelli this season. The Sassuolo star has already hinted at a potential move abroad, and if Barcelona can manage to fend off Manchester City and Juventus for his signature, they could have a brilliant player on their hands who could arguably be the best replacement for Busquets.
Also read: 5 Players who could replace Jordi Alba at Barcelona
