Xavi calls on Sergio Busquets to become 'leader' of Barcelona

Barcelona great Xavi has called on former teammate Sergio Busquets to become a prominent leader in the Catalan side.

The Spain pair shared many trophy-laden years together at Barca before Xavi upped tools in order to begin a career at Qatari club Al Sadd SC, but the 35-year-old has insisted that the side can continue to prosper with Busquets at the heart of the team.

"I'm a huge fan of Busquets and he's a very close friend," Xavi told 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."

Busquets has spent the entirety of his career at Barca having come up through the cub's youth ranks.