Xavi hints at Sergio Busquets returning against Athletic

Xavi Hernandez said he will make changes to the side which faced Villarreal. One of those could be Sergio Busquets returning at pivot, in place of Frenkie de Jong.

“The pivot position changes more if he’s the free man,” said Xavi. “In terms of coverage, understanding bringing the ball out at just the right moment, Busi is a master. He’s got great experience and has the quality of knowing just where to be, he’s spectacular for the group. He’s important, the same as Frenkie, wherever he plays.”

Xavi also praised Frenkie’s display on Thursday night. “He was good at dividing them, being the free man, he understood it very well,” said Xavi.

“He can play at interior or pivot, Frenkie is a player I like and when he sees the game in front of him is when he enjoys it. We’ll try and make that happen whether he’s interior or pivot, wherever he plays, it will be important.”