In his speech to congratulate all the culés on the New Year, Joan Laporta announced this past December 31 “a new stage that no longer prolongs the degradation of a glorious era”. Barça is clear that it is building a new identity. It is the post-Messi stage. And he has already started laying some bricks with the signing of Ferran, the renewals of young talents such as Araújo, Pedri, Ansu, which will soon be followed by Gavi’s. Strategic sales are also considered, such as that of Frenkie de Jong. What does not move are the captains.
Except for surprise, Sergi Busquets (33 years old), Gerard Piqué (35), Jordi Alba (33) and Sergi Roberto (30) will continue to wear the Barça armband next season. And the matter generates debate. For some, the photo does not move and the four have shown in the great European nights of recent years that the super elite games go over them. For others, its performance continues to be more than optimal. Xavi seems to agree with this last trend. Without Pique (contract until 2024), even though he can no longer pull the line that far, the defense suffers. Busquets, with a contract until 2023, continues to be a clock at Barça and the National Team if the team plays in order. Without Busquets, Barça strips naked. And Jordi Alba (contract until 2024) has had no fewer than 12 assists this season, in addition to three goals, the last one that certified the pass to the Champions League. No side of LaLiga has those numbers. Sergi Roberto’s case is different. With no offers, and battered by injuries, he will continue for a year for services rendered. He has always behaved in a very professional manner.
It is not necessary to insist on the ties that unite Xavi with his captains. He is a personal friend of Busquets, who acts almost as an extension in the field of the player with the second most appearances in history. No one like Badia to understand what his now coach wants on the pitch. With Sergio, as with Piqué, Xavi experienced the best years in the club’s history. The coach is also grateful because everyone was at his disposal upon his arrival and has helped him when it comes to conveying his message in the locker room. Xavi highly values the commitment of the four.
Beyond the fact that each player has their special contractual conditions, with prohibitive salaries for what Barça is willing to pay at this point, Xavi believes that they are still in a position to give a high performance on the pitch because, surely, they are the ones who best understand their game model and that also makes them the common thread with the rest of the squad, especially the younger ones. For Piqué, Busquets, Alba and Sergi Roberto, also one last important factor. Champions of everything throughout their careers, they don’t want to leave Barça without lifting a great title and with their heads down.
A final asterisk. He is not a captain, but as if he were. It’s Daniel Alves. At 39 years old, he signed a contract until June. The club has not yet commented on the Brazilian, who had a tremendous comeback but his performance has dropped somewhat in recent months. Signing sewn on personal ties with president Laporta and Xavi, has also helped improve the atmosphere in the locker room and transmit winning mentality. It remains to be seen if that, plus the football that Daniel can give today, is enough for the ‘fifth captain’ to continue.