Thierry Henry Says Barcelona Have Found Another Sergio Busquets in Rodri

Thierry Henry Makes Sergio Busquets Comparison After Rodri’s Barcelona Start

Thierry Henry believes Barcelona have found another Sergio Busquets in Rodri after comparing the Spanish midfielder to the club legend.

Rodri joined Barcelona from Manchester City this summer and has quickly established himself as an important figure in Hansi Flick’s midfield. His performances have already prompted comparisons with Busquets, who spent 15 years at Barcelona before leaving the club in 2023.

Speaking on CBS Sports, Henry was asked whether Rodri is better than Busquets but refused to turn the discussion into a direct comparison between the two midfielders.

“I don't know if Rodri is better than Busquets or not, because we're going into another discussion. But I never thought I was going to see another Busquets. And I saw one. I'm seeing one,” Henry said.

The former Barcelona forward then highlighted what Rodri brings to the team, suggesting his influence goes beyond individual statistics.

“Barcelona is getting another Busquets and obviously Spain has one, but he's at that level,” Henry added.

Henry also pointed out that Busquets never won the Ballon d'Or despite playing alongside two midfielders who also failed to win the prestigious individual award — Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

His main argument was that Rodri's value should be judged by the way he improves the entire team.

“What I'm trying to say is this guy makes the team better straight away. When he's fit, the team is different,” Henry explained.

That assessment has already been reflected in Rodri’s early performances for Barcelona. The midfielder has provided greater control and defensive security in front of the back line, while his ability to read danger allows him to win possession without always needing to make a tackle.

Henry believes that ability to anticipate danger is one of the qualities that makes Rodri so influential.

Barcelona will now hope Rodri can maintain his fitness and continue to provide the stability that made Busquets such an important player during the club's most successful era.

With Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal and other key players in the squad, Henry believes Barcelona have the ingredients to become a major force again this season.