Barcelona coach Luis Enrique described Sergio Busquets as the “best midfielder in the world” after the Spanish international produced another near perfect performance in the Catalans’ 2-0 win at Getafe.
Luis Suarez and Neymar again carried the goalscoring burden in the absence of the injured Lionel Messi with a goal either side of half-time to take Barca back on level terms with Real Madrid at the top of the table.
The South American duo have now scored the European champions’ last 14 goals in La Liga since Messi suffered knee ligament damage over a month ago.
However, Enrique choose to highlight the consistently brilliant but often overlooked Busquets.
“He is a unique player. He is the most complete and, for me, best midfielder in the world without a doubt,” he said.
“He is a fundamental player for us, not just for his football intelligence but because he can play in any position and play at a very high level.”
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Indeed, Enrique admitted his biggest worry with Busquets is to ensure he gets enough rest having started every one of Barca’s league and Champions League games this season due to a spate of injuries to other midfielders.
“Playing in front of the defence is where he feels most comfortable and when he is there the team gains solidity in defence and attack.
“He is a key player and I will try to give him a rest when I can.”
Enrique was finally able to count on Sergi Roberto and Andres Iniesta after they overcame groin and hamstring injuries respectively.
And it was 23-year-old Roberto who bolstered his burdening reputation with assists for both goals, including a spectacular backheel to play in Suarez for the opener.
“We are starting to get players back which is positive,” added Enrique.
“Sergi played a very complete game. He is changing positions and giving us a lot. He is in great form and we have to take advantage of that.
“Andres felt good in the half hour he had and is desperate for more.”
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
Teaching your child to save
Pre-school (three - five years)
You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.
Early childhood (six - eight years)
Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.
Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)
Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.
Young teens (12 - 14 years)
Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.
Teenage (15 - 18 years)
Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.
Young adulthood (19 - 22 years)
Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.
* JP Morgan Private Bank
