Busquets must lead Barcelona - Xavi

Xavi has voiced his admiration for Sergio Busquets and
believes the holding midfielder is destined to become a
leader for Barcelona.

Former Barcelona star Xavi has tipped holding midfielder Sergio
Busquets to become one of the Catalan club's undisputed
leaders.

Busquets, 27, has been in impressive form in recent weeks and
Xavi is confident his former team-mate will continue to be a key
figure for the Champions League and La Liga holders.

"I'm a huge fan of Busquets and he's a very close friend," Xavi,
who left Barca for Al Sadd at the end of last season, was quoted
as saying by Marca.

"He's in game-changing, match-winning form, setting up goals,
getting his hands dirty and putting the opposition under pressure
in their own half.

"He has to step up and lead this Barcelona team over the next
few years, both out on the pitch and in the dressing room."

Barcelona have gone top of the table ahead of next week's
Clasico against Real Madrid and Xavi has hailed the Camp Nou
side's fine performances in the absence of the injured Lionel
Messi.

"Based on their most recent league performances, Barcelona
look the stronger of the two teams going into the game, but you
never know what might happen during a Clasico," he said.

"Barcelona are on an outstanding run of form even with Messi
out injured. The team are doing a really, really good job and
there is plenty of competition for places. They look great to me.

"I hope Messi will be fit for the Clasico for entertainment's sake
and that of the game itself. Football cannot afford to not have
Messi out on the pitch."