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Barcelona spent years looking for a player who could take over Sergio Busquets’ role, but Thierry Henry believes the club may finally have found the closest possible successor in Rodri.

Busquets’ exit left a clear gap in Barcelona’s midfield.

The former Spain international had become the very definition of the position, blending exceptional positional sense with composure and the ability to control the tempo of a match without seeking the spotlight.

Even under Hansi Flick, who has plenty of quality available in midfield, there had been no like-for-like replacement for the former captain.

That changed when Barcelona signed Rodri from Manchester City this summer, instantly prompting comparisons between two players who have dominated matches in different ways.

Henry, who played alongside Busquets and saw his qualities up close, has now shared his verdict on CBS Sports.

The comparison arose after Jamie Carragher asked Henry whether Rodri was better than Busquets.

The former Barcelona forward immediately acknowledged the significance of the question. “I was just about to say that’s a great question.”

Henry then explained why Rodri brings back such strong memories of his former Barcelona teammate.

“I would never have thought I’d see another Busquets. But today, with Rodri, Barça has found a new Busquets.

“Yes, Busquets never won the Ballon d’Or, but with Rodri – when he is fit – the team is different.”

Henry has compared Rodri to Sergio Busquets.

There are clear similarities between Rodri and Busquets, as both have outstanding positional intelligence, remain calm under pressure, and control games through their passing rather than through constant risk-taking.

Rodri, however, brings greater athleticism and strength, drives forward with the ball more aggressively and contributes more consistently in the final third.

That has led to comparisons describing him as ‘Busquets with more power’ and as a more complete midfielder.

In fact, Busquets was the purer technician in the role, relying on efficiency, timing and subtle positioning to shape matches.

Rodri, though, offers many of those same qualities while adding physical presence, ball-carrying ability and a greater end product.