El Clasico: 5 Barcelona players who will be key figures 

#4 Sergio Busquets

Busquets will take up captaincy duties in the Clasico

In Lionel Messi’s absence, Sergio Busquets will be the captain of the team. Not only will he be the captain but he needs to play a role in dictating the tempo of the game, that Lionel Messi does while dropping deep. His major contribution will be in letting Ivan Rakitic play with freedom, high up the pitch.

Busquets will have a defensive burden but still, Rakitic’s presence is required up front on the pitch. Sergio Busquets also has to make himself the focal point of the team. He needs to be available to receive a pass from all corners of the pitch. He should be dropping into the hole while the full-backs flank the wings and he has to make sure that Luka Modric and Isco don’t come up with something fishy.

Arthur is too young to handle defensive duties and will miss out on his amazing controlling midfield role if he is forced into the deeper part of the pitch. In that case, it has to be Busquets on most occasions, watching out for the through balls from Modric. He should have Rakitic alongside when Real Madrid are on the attacks to cover up Toni Kroos.

Busquets should not only be a defensive pillar but he has to be a vigilant passer that he has always been. He should be looking out for the sneaky runs from Semedo and Alba up the wings. Plus, he should support Arthur or Vidal, whosoever starts in the perfect way.

Most importantly he has to make sure, the team doesn’t let their guard down one bit. Pique will be doing the job in the defensive end, Busquets has to keep his midfielders and forwards awake for the full 90 minutes.