Was This The Greatest Midfield Ever? | End Of An Era

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  • Опубліковано 13 тра 2024
  • At the end of 22/23, Barcelona will be without either Xavi, Andrés Iniesta or Sergio Busquets for the first since 1998. End of an Era.
    (As players, at least. Xavi is still going strong)
    In this video, we look back on how good they were together and what they accomplished.
    Transcript and sources: footballiconic.com/the-greate...
    Twitter: / theofficial_fi
    Instagram: / chips009
    Background music:
    @pinkxo (Prod Pink)
    00:00 - Introduction
    01:35 - Xavi takes stage
    03:37 - Iniesta retires everyone
    07:48 - You see Busquets, you see the game
    10:40 - Domination
    15:41 - Nothing lasts forever
    Producer: Tinashe Chipako
    -------------------
    All non-licensed material used in this video falls under fair use for commentary, criticism, and educational purposes. No copyright infringement intended. If you are or represent the copyright owner of materials used in this video and have a problem with the use of said material, please send me an email at information@footballiconic.com and we can sort it out
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 722

  • @Damian_1989
    @Damian_1989 Рік тому +1500

    A midfield so legendary, that for years here in Argentina there was the belief that Messi couldn't play as well for the national squad because of their absence.

    • @daarom3472
      @daarom3472 Рік тому +135

      I mean, it was the case haha.

    • @kemo9783
      @kemo9783 Рік тому +6

      @@daarom3472 lol

    • @beneyweneys
      @beneyweneys Рік тому +43

      I mean that was true lol

    • @daarom3472
      @daarom3472 Рік тому +223

      @@beneyweneys yea, even though Messi was Argentina's best player people should not forget to rate the impact of McAllister, de Paul and Enzo. For the first time Messi had a stable team behind him (basically since scaloni joined) that allowed him to excel. Messi wouldnt have won without them, but also Argentina wouldn't have won without Messi.

    • @Christian-xo2hq
      @Christian-xo2hq Рік тому +165

      @@daarom3472 yea it’s kinda like you need an actual good team to win🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

  • @miarchy7279
    @miarchy7279 Рік тому +672

    Most midfields could make a player dissapear in a storm, Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets could make an entire midfield dissapear

    • @Jout8-re1ij
      @Jout8-re1ij 2 місяці тому +1

      Yes the fall of Fc Barcelona then started from 2015 onwards with Bartomeu being unable to replace Xavi and later on Iniesta also. He only got mediocre bad mid-fielders bought that was nothing compared to Xavi and Iniesta. Bartomeu for some reason shut down LaMasia that I thought was stupid, because Barca gets easily great young players for no price at all from there and then he proceeds to buy for very expensive players that were never worthy of their price, but why didnt he be able to get new great mid-field, because thats what Fc Barcelona needed for succeding and thats why Fc Barcelona slowly buy surely started falling down and Messi could not carry the team on his own.

  • @Junitaco
    @Junitaco Рік тому +172

    Worth noting that when Pep brought Busquets into the first team Yaya Touré was playing in that position. And he was crushing it. At the time people thought Pep was nuts to play a young, unknown Busquets instead of Yaya.

    • @myrdin9216
      @myrdin9216 9 місяців тому +4

      I agree. I remember that I hated that Busquets was played ahead of Toure when Toure seemed like a better player.

    • @blank1933
      @blank1933 8 місяців тому

      @@myrdin9216well he is. But in that system it’s different

    • @fotrj
      @fotrj 7 місяців тому +8

      ​@@blank1933Busquets is mile clear.

    • @cadenhnc
      @cadenhnc 7 місяців тому +1

      @@fotrj Easy to say so after fact. Not so much at the time. It was a ballsy move, to be sure

    • @babibau2781
      @babibau2781 5 місяців тому

      Honestly i was a bit upset when he sold yaya back then 😅

  • @imtiabd
    @imtiabd Рік тому +1034

    2 posts in 2 days? What did we do to deserve this?

  • @arjunkishore4080
    @arjunkishore4080 Рік тому +242

    It’s crazy how dominant these guys were, and if you look at them, none of them scream world class athlete, but they were the engine behind the success of the Barcelona machine.

    • @majormononoke8958
      @majormononoke8958 11 місяців тому +6

      15 Km in a world cup finals after running all tournament seems a lot though...
      Maybe they were not world class athletes, but world class football players...

    • @arjunkishore4080
      @arjunkishore4080 11 місяців тому +10

      @@majormononoke8958 I definitely think that they are world class athletes, but I was saying that they look fairly unremarkable at first glance.

    • @killermarfidyoh138
      @killermarfidyoh138 9 місяців тому +1

      @@majormononoke8958 What are you on about... Of course they are world class athletes you wouldn't be able to be that consistent in football without athleticism lmao... What the main comment is trying to say is, they may not look the part but they are a big factor to Barcelona and Messi's success.

    • @killermarfidyoh138
      @killermarfidyoh138 9 місяців тому

      @@majormononoke8958 Also to further add calling them not world class athletes but world class football players is daft because its almost the same thing.... When you call them a world class athlete or a world class football player its almost the same thing because the only difference is if you use the term athlete you're just using the generalized term used to describe people who are professional in a sport/s.

    • @desfefe
      @desfefe 9 місяців тому +1

      The work rate they had was unexpected given their stature, and you always wonder how the hell that 3 were able to do as well.

  • @DarthwRath
    @DarthwRath Рік тому +417

    The crazier thing about these 3 was they all came from the same footballing school. They weren't fast or tall (Busi is tall i know), but good fkin luck trying to take the ball from em.
    Xavi, will keep the ball forever.
    Don Andres, will get it in absolute shite conditions and give it back to you on a golden plate.
    And Busi, will orchestrate the team's movement from his position.
    It's been a pleasure. The 3 of you + The GOAT Leo, Dani Alves and El Capita Puyol. They made me a Barça fan. And that made me a football fan. I grew up watching them toy around with world class players for almost two decades.
    It's sad this will end, but boy I am glad to see it all. And with the internet, I'll always rewatch them. Because that team was frightening if you're not a fan, as a fan? The gigantic confidence I had during those days I tell ya.
    Visca Barça!

    • @FootballIconic
      @FootballIconic  Рік тому +98

      Imagine that. Maybe the greatest midfield trio ever cost their team $0

    • @DarthwRath
      @DarthwRath Рік тому +50

      @@FootballIconic i know dude. Especially these days where players price are 150 million each. It's mad.
      It gets more bonkers when you know about half of that legendary team was home grown dude. It's unbelievable how great La Masia was. Generational talents and almost all of them from that era reached legendary statuses. Either in Barça itself or somewhere else (Fabregas, Luis Garcia, Thiago Motta, Alexis Sanchez, Pedro, Thiago Alcantara, Icardi, Mikel Arteta just to name some of them from that specific era)
      Imagine that as well, having so much talent that ya can't even play them all in one team. Something like the Gerrard, Scholes and Lampard era for England in the 2000s.
      Can ya blame me why I fell in strong deep love with this bloody club. It's overloaded with greatness. Almost fiction like when you read about it all the way back to it's humble beginnings.
      Many many thanks to the Father of Modern Football himself Johan Cruyff for all of this.
      Imma stop now before the tears gets too heavy ay. Cheers.

    • @thujosaringa4661
      @thujosaringa4661 Рік тому +5

      Visca Barca🎉🎉

    • @dankfulm1c.273
      @dankfulm1c.273 Рік тому

      @@FootballIconic without a doubt

    • @messidor-sb8sg
      @messidor-sb8sg 11 місяців тому +1

      Visca el Barça i Visca Catalunya !!

  • @JanelleTheKid
    @JanelleTheKid Рік тому +238

    The fact that one of the last games Busi will play is against Iniesta's team in Japan with Xavi as his manager...... I'm not crying I'm SOBBING

    • @Jout8-re1ij
      @Jout8-re1ij 2 місяці тому

      What is this Busi name. Sounds childish and disrespectful to his name. There is no need to childishly overeact saying you are sobbing.

    • @Mythsolev
      @Mythsolev Місяць тому

      @@Jout8-re1ij he was always called Busi

  • @UTxTheArchangel
    @UTxTheArchangel Рік тому +122

    I always felt like Busquets never got his flowers bc he played next to Xavi and Iniesta. Often he gets overlooked and you won't see his name mentioned in talks of great mildfielders. As you said people lean towards more offensive/attacker heavy players, while Sergio was more defensive.
    Also I think this video further shows just how great Pep is. Whom still gets disrespect from football fans. Pep noticed all these guys potential before anyone else and called it. He's a mastermind, master tactician, and elite at seeing talent and potential.
    As a Barca fan these guys spoiled me on what a midfield should look like and how one should perform. When I watch teams that have crazy talent up front but struggle to score, I'm always like "I swear if this team gets a good midfield, they'll run this league." That is my usual comment on Angel City FC here in the States. The creative, playmaking work of midfielders is underappreciated bc viewers just see scores, not the setup for the score. This isnt hockey where every player who took part in a goal score setup gets credited for an assist.

    • @tris421
      @tris421 Рік тому +3

      I mean both Xavi and Iniesta had played over 100 times for Barca before Pep came along tbf mate.

    • @UTxTheArchangel
      @UTxTheArchangel Рік тому +5

      @@tris421 Pep was their teammate before their coach....Did you not hear Pep's comments about them while they were teammates? You do know Pep was on the team as a player not just a coach? lol

    • @danielgbeja1321
      @danielgbeja1321 11 місяців тому +2

      ​@@tris421 and Barca still failed the last season before Pep joined regardless of xavi and iniesta. Also note that they were still pretty young and inexperienced. Pep carved the path for their talents to make progress.

    • @tris421
      @tris421 11 місяців тому

      @@danielgbeja1321 they also won the UCL the year before that? And the Euros with Spain that same summer (as Pep arrived)

    • @tris421
      @tris421 11 місяців тому

      Xavi literally played against United in 99.

  • @harshvenigalla1221
    @harshvenigalla1221 Рік тому +198

    All the essential skills needed to run a team put and compacted in these 3 players. Sad to see Busi is leaving Barca but he is leaving huge huge shoes to fill. Definitely every Midfielder idolises Iniesta Xavi and Busquets. Players like them are a coach’s dream!

    • @pittaaaabread
      @pittaaaabread Рік тому +1

      Couldn't of said it better my self. Thank you to all of them for the happy moments and the sad ones as well. Cheers

    • @daarom3472
      @daarom3472 Рік тому +1

      it depends really. For them to function well you need absolute world class forwards to take the ball in the final third and convert. They were "fortunate" to have had the company of Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Henry, Messi, Villa, Torres, Neymar and Suarez. You can see with the current Spanish team they have great passers and insane control but they lost to Morrocco because no one was able to finish chances. You also need an insane press from the entire team including all forwards because out of possession they can be left expoded (as was showcased by Bayern's 7-0 over them and the Netherlands beating them 5-1 in 2014).
      They are definitely my favourite midfield of all time and all 3 would feature in my "best team of all time", but that would only work because of the other players I'd include.
      If you have a bad front line I'd rather have City's current midfield as De Bruyne, Gundogan, Silva and even at times Rodri can all provide goals.

    • @demibeast3912
      @demibeast3912 Рік тому +1

      I love Bussy ❤️

    • @nasrallahalfarouq
      @nasrallahalfarouq Рік тому +1

      @@daarom3472 thats facts as much as a love all 3 of em no one is taking into account the world class forwars they had neymar,messi,suarez,ronaldinho,samuel eto’o, thierry henry among the plenty of other world class finishers

    • @harshvenigalla1221
      @harshvenigalla1221 Рік тому +1

      @@daarom3472 Yeah that’s true as well

  • @carldawes4156
    @carldawes4156 Рік тому +62

    The Barcelona team of 2011 was truly legendary. Literally none of the players were physical specimens, but they were so skilled and competent at passing the ball that pressing them was useless. Shows that at the end of the day, football ain't all about athleticism.

  • @regularnt1132
    @regularnt1132 Рік тому +347

    These 3 are the best ever in their positions. No one else touches them.

    • @darealkezz806
      @darealkezz806 Рік тому +14

      declan rice come close to busquets tbf

    • @beno9023
      @beno9023 Рік тому +171

      @@darealkezz806 that’s blasphemy

    • @primk2417
      @primk2417 Рік тому +2

      Facts!

    • @johnlanga5984
      @johnlanga5984 Рік тому +2

      True

    • @utkarshbarca
      @utkarshbarca Рік тому +83

      @@darealkezz806 it should be a crime to say something like this

  • @r.i.psteez929
    @r.i.psteez929 11 місяців тому +17

    Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets… all blessed with talent AND a good attitude, all as humble as ever and that’s why they achieved legendary careers. No egos, just humble geniuses that love the game. We will never see it again.

  • @GIBBO4182
    @GIBBO4182 Рік тому +27

    4:13 what a sight!! Iniesta with all his trophies!! 😂😊

  • @chcomes
    @chcomes 11 місяців тому +26

    Spain won rhe world cup sub20 in 1999. Xavi dominated that tournament. He played in the role he would play years later, a bit more advanced than the 4. It was a masterclass.

  • @youraverageguy7842
    @youraverageguy7842 Рік тому +38

    I want more stuff like this on iconic midfield trios

  • @10MARYNHO
    @10MARYNHO Рік тому +13

    Yes, because they defined their positions to the point that we reference them when we teach/analyse any midfield player according to their position or qualities.

  • @cheviidevii
    @cheviidevii Рік тому +130

    The Hungary Golden Team from 1950 - 1956 went unbeaten for 4 years and only lost once in 6 years of international football is worthy of being mention. The midfield that consist of Gyula Lóránt, József Zakariás and József Bozsik are the original creators of "Total Football" that was later used effectively by the Dutch in the 1970s Barcelona and Spain 2010s teams.

    • @mrconfused100
      @mrconfused100 Рік тому +9

      Did they win a World Cup tho 🤔

    • @avikellerman4539
      @avikellerman4539 Рік тому +39

      @@mrconfused100 How is that relevant? They made the finals. Hungary is a tiny nation like Croatia. If they won the final they would be all time greats but because they didn't they're not? If this is how basic and simplistic your takes are then you should probably stop commenting because you don't have a clue about football.

    • @hwsjshxhsj
      @hwsjshxhsj Рік тому +19

      In Germany we are still proud that we beat the Hungarian team in '54.
      They were the best and already beaten us during the tournament. Winning this world cup somehow partly built our nation too

    • @bornanagaming3329
      @bornanagaming3329 Рік тому +6

      Lost once and it was the most important game in their lives

    • @user-bz7se2ly8m
      @user-bz7se2ly8m Рік тому +2

      Yeah and ca 200:50 goals in 50 games :) made a video of their best goals

  • @AnthonyRodriguez-zc4xy
    @AnthonyRodriguez-zc4xy Рік тому +26

    that trio never had a trophyless season… started their first season together with sextuple and won their last season with a treble.

  • @fivestarman5130
    @fivestarman5130 Рік тому +10

    To think that Spain not only had all 3 of these players in their midfield but also had Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fàbregas, David Silva, Thiago Alcantara and Juan Mata as rotating players is utterly ridiculous. No wonder they won 3 international tournaments back to back

  • @lebohangntlamelle7218
    @lebohangntlamelle7218 11 місяців тому +4

    Kroos, Modric and Casemiro played tennis

  • @roostervii8788
    @roostervii8788 Рік тому +23

    my future kids will be hearing about this trio these were just amazing times

  • @ygrbooks
    @ygrbooks 11 місяців тому +5

    As someone who is only 1.70m in height and was rarely selected for my team in the 70s because of that, I always enjoyed watching Xavi and Iniesta. And Maradona, And Messi. And Pirlo. They all made the tall guys look like parking-meters, and I just loved it.

  • @maclundqvist2944
    @maclundqvist2944 Рік тому +26

    Most defently the best midfield ever they brought me alot of joy hopefully Pedri Gavi and maybe De jong bring me some more in the years to come

  • @Arejen03
    @Arejen03 Рік тому +18

    Kroos Casemiro Modric are another trio but in terms of technique i think xavi iniesta busq was another level

  • @khotsodirane600
    @khotsodirane600 Рік тому +3

    Thank you and please keep them coming ❤

  • @justinthorne8979
    @justinthorne8979 Рік тому

    love your video essays. Keep up the great work. Subbed

  • @kimalharvey4542
    @kimalharvey4542 11 місяців тому +10

    I love Xavi and Iniesta so much, but Busquets is genuinely one of a kind.
    That man is the best DM I have ever seen, and I am sure will ever see.

    • @markdnffc
      @markdnffc 8 місяців тому +1

      I agree. A lot of English football fans just couldn't (or wouldn't) acknowledge how good a DM Busquets was. The number of comments I heard like "what's the point of Busquets?" and "Busquets is invisible during games" for me, was a testament as to how good he was, especially just behind Xavi and Iniesta in their day.
      A phenomenal player, thanks for the memories, Sergio.

  • @shuvoroy6692
    @shuvoroy6692 Рік тому +2

    Yesssss!!! This is the video I was waiting for
    I will watch all ads .. won't skip any of them
    Thanku so much❤

  • @rasheed5507
    @rasheed5507 Рік тому +35

    Ik it’s a tad unconventional compared to your other vids but could you do a video looking back on the 2011-2012 season. It’s arguably a candidate for the title of craziest season ever. Here are just some of the insane events that happened said season (some of which you’ve already covered on your channel or at least mentioned).
    . Montpellier winning Ligue 1 with a young Giroud as their star striker. It was also the last season of Ligue 1 before PSG dominance started (Monaco and Lille did snatch 2 titles but the other 9 went to PSG turning Ligue 1 from one of the many chaotic leagues in terms of title races into an alleged farmers league).
    . Juve winning their first league title since Calciopoli as invincibles which led to them winning 9 in a row.
    . Bayern being somewhat close to a treble only to choke in the DFB final to Dortmund, losing the league to Dortmund too and losing the UCL final to Chelsea despite it being played at the Allianz and going 1-0 up at the 83rd minute.
    . This season was also the last time a team not named Bayern won the Bundesliga. This may change this season but who knows
    . Chelsea’s astounding UCL run despite finishing 6th
    . Real and Mourinho winning the famous La Liga de Los Records with Ozil getting 28 assists (still wasn’t Europe’s top assister in all comps somehow and only tied for first place in La Liga assists with a little magician we all know and love) and Ronaldo scoring 60 in all comps.
    . Atletico winning the Europa League with Falcao being arguably the best 9 on earth.
    . City winning the premier league in the last few seconds of the final match day on goal difference thanks to Aguerooooo scoring one of the most clutch goals in the history of the sport
    . Messi having probably the greatest season ever for an individual player. Ik Haaland is a freak of nature and 100% deserves the hype but 2012 Messi and Ronaldo were beyond unplayable. Messi had 73 goals and 32 assists in 54 games. He also scored 50 league goals which feels like some bs stat but the fact it happened makes you wonder what’s possible.

    • @shakenblake4533
      @shakenblake4533 11 місяців тому +4

      This is a great suggestion dawg...exemplary👌

    • @rasheed5507
      @rasheed5507 11 місяців тому

      @@shakenblake4533 thanks man

    • @KingEzekio
      @KingEzekio 10 місяців тому

      11/12 and 18/19 are the most memorable seasons ever imo

    • @vaffangool9196
      @vaffangool9196 5 місяців тому

      ​@@rasheed5507
      *Thanks to you* we don't even need that video now, do we? 😂 You've painted the whole picture, except for United's 8-2 thrashing of Arsenal that Tinashe would of course be powerless to resist 🤬.

  • @andremeyer6596
    @andremeyer6596 11 місяців тому +8

    Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets not only dominated the midfield of every game they played, they made you forget that the other team HAD any midfielders. Any game with them turned into 11 vs 8 immediately. Gonna miss them alot.

  • @mrnnamdi2486
    @mrnnamdi2486 11 місяців тому +9

    What would Barça have been without Pep Guardiola. Pep clearly has an eye for talent. Such a great man!

  • @danielsutter4565
    @danielsutter4565 9 місяців тому

    Very good video, thanks for making it.

  • @gerogeontas6725
    @gerogeontas6725 11 місяців тому

    Very nice video my friend! Good job!

  • @pierremallmann
    @pierremallmann Рік тому

    You are world class in what you do as well, my friend. God bless you.

  • @ismingo4264
    @ismingo4264 Рік тому +5

    This guy always uploads bangers

  • @belliiahmed
    @belliiahmed 10 місяців тому +6

    This is all about XAVI, He made Tikitaka he always controls the game like a conductor, he was also the besr passer ever. He teach Iniesta and Busquets how to play like him. XAVI is the most trophy winner in Barca the one who played the most games and the one who played for Barca for the longest time 17 years in first team and 25 years in Barca. He's the Godfather of Barca

  • @tillenbillagwa7548
    @tillenbillagwa7548 10 місяців тому

    Nice content bro. Doing gr8.

  • @UzairAli-fn6tz
    @UzairAli-fn6tz Рік тому +4

    I just love to hear you talk about football players and legends of the game

    • @dronesclubhighjinks
      @dronesclubhighjinks Рік тому +1

      I agree! He manages to sound enthusiastic and soothing at the same time. 😄🙌

  • @orlandoalvarado214
    @orlandoalvarado214 9 місяців тому

    The beautiful and sweet memories of the glorious days. Man this video made me cry. Thank you for this amazing video and thank you God for allowing me to be alive to witness this era with such phenomenal players. Especially Messi.

  • @torbjrnjensen2589
    @torbjrnjensen2589 11 місяців тому +1

    Great vid!
    It takes an intelligent manager to spot the talent AND intelligense in the players..
    The character and intelligense in these 3 players is what made the difference. They could implement and execute their own tactics, while also adjust to and counter anything thrown at them.
    Btw, it would be great if you could do a series of the best midfield compositions of all times for the top champions league teams.. (Juventus, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munchen, etc) :)

  • @tebohokhumalo2139
    @tebohokhumalo2139 Рік тому +2

    Keep up the good work mate!!!

  • @ammarharith5512
    @ammarharith5512 Рік тому +3

    2 videos in less than a week?
    _Godsent._

  • @observersdesk9768
    @observersdesk9768 Рік тому

    2 uploads in the same week … I love it

  • @rhysarmstrong5211
    @rhysarmstrong5211 11 місяців тому +4

    Another great video mate! Wondering if you might do a Bobby Firminio vid soon as he's just played his final ever Anfield game.
    As a Liverpool fan he's been my favourite player over the last few years of success we've had; his attitude and ability just gave me so much joy and he works harder for the team than any forward I've seen barring maybe Wazza

    • @arctyic1932
      @arctyic1932 11 місяців тому +1

      I think Milner is a great shout too

  • @mysteriousM8
    @mysteriousM8 Рік тому

    2 videos in a row that quickly ??? Madness also our boy looking strong love that

  • @fikilesondach62
    @fikilesondach62 11 місяців тому

    Yeah, you’re on a roll now. I like this. With these numbers (number of videos in lesser days) you’re chasing the Balon d’or

  • @kyle.rivera
    @kyle.rivera Рік тому

    always a must watch when you make a video on my club

  • @willmcconnell1857
    @willmcconnell1857 Рік тому

    2 posts in 2 days keep up the grind mate, and also can we plsssss get a video about bales time with Madrid🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏it would be much appreciated.

  • @ethanmerry9639
    @ethanmerry9639 Рік тому

    Love the vids

  • @lisandroflores95
    @lisandroflores95 Рік тому +1

    You and rawr need to do a video, both brilliant 👏

  • @siddharthsingh7378
    @siddharthsingh7378 Рік тому +2

    That pic at 0:15 is the max level of any midfield to grace this beautiful game

  • @thegreenchair3293
    @thegreenchair3293 11 місяців тому +17

    I refuse to believe that Guardiola, Busquets and Rodri arent 3 Spanish guys that got possessed by the ghost of an unknown defensively midfielding genius that picks a new target every generation.
    Theyre literally all re-gens of eachother

    • @ebrahimmunsif
      @ebrahimmunsif 11 місяців тому +2

      Iniesta and Pedri now. They play so similar it's actually insane lol

    • @paulantony367
      @paulantony367 10 місяців тому

      @@ebrahimmunsif Pedri is more like Xavi and Gavi is the one who plays dynamically like Iniesta but I am so certain that Lamasia just respawns legends

  • @sniperbob2354
    @sniperbob2354 Рік тому +30

    Now this was a near perfect team,From the pique in the back to Messi infront.

    • @trollinape2697
      @trollinape2697 Рік тому +9

      Best team ever imo

    • @wueevee3249
      @wueevee3249 Рік тому +7

      Puyol and Dani Alves were huge

    • @wokie.3204
      @wokie.3204 Рік тому +6

      Then you had a David Villa, Puyol, Dani Alves and Alba and you have a stacked up team on every front. And on top of it you had on of the greatest players ever in Messi and daaaaaamn. Nightmare team

    • @namorkukulkan_98
      @namorkukulkan_98 Рік тому +3

      @@wokie.3204abidal played in LB not alba

    • @Al-ji4gd
      @Al-ji4gd 11 місяців тому

      Definitely not perfect. Defense and goalkeeper were mid.

  • @simenstory3321
    @simenstory3321 Рік тому +5

    Three of the greatest players ever, goosebumps just thinking about them. The anchors, masterminds and engines of what is probably the greatest team ever 🙌🏻
    And thank you for another great video! You and Tifo deliver by far the best football content on this platform, always a pleasure seeing a new video uploaded!

  • @jackinlee6768
    @jackinlee6768 11 місяців тому +2

    that era's Spain midfield was downright illegal... imagine already having Busquest, Xavi, Iniesta... then having the options of bringing on David Silva, Juan Mata, Xabi Alonso, Fabregas, Carzola....

  • @the_andrewest_andrew
    @the_andrewest_andrew Рік тому

    the E is not silent 😂
    amazing that this is the only remark... the pronunciation on a foreign language
    as always excellent video

  • @user-cq3fw7zi4x
    @user-cq3fw7zi4x 11 місяців тому

    Your videos are quite impressive. An all round great quality content and presentation

  • @SaeedAidaro
    @SaeedAidaro Рік тому +7

    Imagine if these three and MSN were all on the same team and in their prime at the same time.

    • @Mythsolev
      @Mythsolev Місяць тому

      don't forget about prime Pique,Puyol,Dani

  • @aleplays8012
    @aleplays8012 Рік тому +16

    Video idea - Make a series of going through the ‘greatest teams’ that have ever played or maybe even partnerships such as Maldini and nesta or even the same principle but applied to strikers and other positions, perhaps comparing them?

    • @nasrallahalfarouq
      @nasrallahalfarouq Рік тому +3

      yes id love to see a weekly/bi weekly series on the greatest teams and also like most underrated teams that won a trophy when no expected them or something

  • @BlaugranaEverything
    @BlaugranaEverything Рік тому +4

    Man I'm going to miss seeing the classic "Busquets vs No Space" UA-cam seasons' highlights comps.
    I've always said that of the three, Busi would prove the most difficult to replace because his skillset is a really niche mixture of top tier attributes, he has vision like Xavi, can pass like De Bruyne, wins the ball like Makelele, has a first touch like Ozil, can dribble like Iniesta, has close control like Messi, can make majority correct decisions at lightning speed and on his day he reads the game better than any other player (when to press, when to drop back, where to stand, where the ball should be) it's nigh on impossible to find someone else who can do all these things so well aside from Rodri I can't think of anyone else who comes even remotely close.
    El Clasicos won't be the same without a Busi double drag back or dropped shoulder to evade a pressing Madridista. Thanks Busi for sharing 15 years of art in the guise of football. Oh and sorry Tinashe for using your comments to pay tribute to Busi instead of using my own 😂

    • @dagotowka9191
      @dagotowka9191 Рік тому +1

      thats wrong he didnt have the passing or vision of either xavi and de bruyne but he played his role perfectly

    • @BlaugranaEverything
      @BlaugranaEverything 11 місяців тому

      @@dagotowka9191 Look at all the assists he has given to Raphinha this season and also all the assists he gave to Messi in his last season

  • @proyectoparcial3955
    @proyectoparcial3955 Рік тому +8

    Best midfield and team ever. It was balanced in every aspect. The joy watching them

  • @brandonaguilera5713
    @brandonaguilera5713 11 місяців тому +2

    Just a quick note. Together they won 2008 Euro (not Busquets), 2009 UCL, 2010 WC, 2011 UCL, 2012 Euro and 2015 UCL that’s INSANE

  • @1230Nathan
    @1230Nathan Рік тому +1

    My take in all this is the high possibility of 300k subscribers during the course of the year for this channel

  • @monoto8272
    @monoto8272 10 місяців тому

    Very touching 😢

  • @wtfamiactuallyright1823
    @wtfamiactuallyright1823 Рік тому +5

    Defo one of the GOAT's and the best Barca has ever had in midfield, imo. Iniesta!

    • @renevandelooij8470
      @renevandelooij8470 Рік тому +3

      Xavi was way better he was the true leader the motor and the Conductor

    • @dagotowka9191
      @dagotowka9191 Рік тому +1

      Xavi was quite a bit better imo.

    • @wtfamiactuallyright1823
      @wtfamiactuallyright1823 Рік тому

      @@renevandelooij8470 He wasn't even close to being "way better" they were both WC players.
      The reason I put Iniesta above Xavi is because they were both very similar, but Iniesta was physically better than Xavi. This is why Iniesta was the one who pushed forward more often and didn't need to drop back as often to shake someone who was trying to tackle him.
      I have similar issues with people when it comes to Edgar Davids and Clarence Seedorf, Davids was the better player in this case because he could everything Seedorf did, but was physically better.
      As has been said tho, this is all down to opinion, but one thing that is certain is that in both cases, neither were "way better".

    • @wtfamiactuallyright1823
      @wtfamiactuallyright1823 Рік тому

      @@dagotowka9191 How dare you question my opinion! 😜

  • @arbythecool
    @arbythecool Рік тому

    what's legendary is Football Iconic posting two days in a row

  • @NCfrost82
    @NCfrost82 10 місяців тому

    The MOST EPIC & ELEGANT
    Not a Barca fan.....can even be considered an enemy but can't deny solid truth my guy.

  • @DrAnarchy69
    @DrAnarchy69 11 місяців тому

    As a Barca fan who got into them at the end of this era, my first game watching them was a perfect one: their 2015 UCL Final win against Juventus. Even though Xavi and Iniesta were older, the midfield trio were so good when I watched.

  • @muhammedgamal5871
    @muhammedgamal5871 11 місяців тому

    Beautiful

  • @thewanderingbong3632
    @thewanderingbong3632 10 місяців тому

    These men along with Messi made me fall in love with football ❤️
    Ahh those Barca days, my own college days, tiki taka..... I'll remember those days for the rest of t life 🥲

  • @pp26026
    @pp26026 Рік тому

    This video made me emotional

  • @petersmith5227
    @petersmith5227 10 місяців тому

    Whole may be greater than the sum of the parts, but my word, those parts. I'm taking Don Andres as the pick though. Just a thing of beauty to see him float through a crowded midfield.
    Best midfield ever, best team ever.
    The guy banging in the goals wasnt too bad neither

  • @TK_Brainslug
    @TK_Brainslug Рік тому

    awesome video they really were the heart of the team

  • @VoltronKnight
    @VoltronKnight Рік тому +27

    It’s very rare to find such a balance in a midfield. For me other than these three, was the trio of Gerrard with Alonso and Mascherano.

    • @tf-ok
      @tf-ok Рік тому +5

      yikes no

    • @ahmeddebrov3379
      @ahmeddebrov3379 Рік тому +2

      Naaaah

    • @AbdulAkram04
      @AbdulAkram04 Рік тому +6

      Kaka, Seedorf and Guttuso!!

    • @tris421
      @tris421 Рік тому +1

      @@AbdulAkram04 wheres Pirlo mate?

    • @miicasso7908
      @miicasso7908 Рік тому

      That is a crazy statement (I’m a Liverpool fan) those three don’t come close

  • @khaagos
    @khaagos 11 місяців тому +1

    Me and my father called those 3 'The Bermuda Triangle'. Everytime they played, all opponents caught between them just dissapeared, never to touch the ball in any meaningful way

  • @hungryshafi
    @hungryshafi Рік тому +3

    Best midfield trio of all time is Xavi, Iniesta and Alonso. A world cup and back to back European cups. That's excluding their astonishing individual club honours. Modric-Kroos-Casemiro is a close second.

  • @rsen507
    @rsen507 Рік тому +1

    Thank you so much for making this video. This provides a sense of closure to us true Barça fans. You can not imagine to what extent we were happy to see Xavi back as our coach. We will always love Xavi, Busquets and Iniesta.

  • @USC9210
    @USC9210 Рік тому +4

    Like a lot of American football fans, I really came to admire the game watching UA-cam videos, and the ones that always left me wanting more (live games) was Barca or watching live the great great Spanish side (Euro, WC, Euro champions). Even to novices, you could see that those guys were Him. Just like the past three years randomly dropping in on Manchester City the most novice observer could see that KDB was running (dominating?!!) the game and made everything else (goals) happen and was just beautiful. The video of Iniesta's retirement game at Barca (ending with him sitting on the pitch shoeless) made me tearful more than Messi's farewell from Barca. Sergio B was just a delight and his stature (6' 2") gave an aura that Barca would not be allowing any of Mourinho's Real Madrid intimidation tactics. That Xavi is now the manager of the BlueandRed and willing them to a La Liga title this earlier in his managerial career makes me smile. Thank you @Football Iconic for this video. 😄

  • @north.shqipe003
    @north.shqipe003 5 місяців тому

    as a Real Madrid fan who loves football and doesn't spread hate i agree what this guys did for me they the greatest 3trio i ever seen much respect 🙌🙌🙌🐐

  • @TheVanpablo79
    @TheVanpablo79 11 місяців тому

    That voice… so relaxing

  • @wandel51
    @wandel51 Рік тому +2

    I agree that they formed the best midfield ever. This got even more incredible when you stop to think they also had Piquet, Puyol and Messi, all formed by the same club in a gap of time that allowed them to play together.
    It may never happen again, in any club...

    • @davidcastromacia7166
      @davidcastromacia7166 10 місяців тому

      GK Valdés was also playing at the same time. And a little later they retrieved Cesc from Arsenal.

  • @maxwellasante9639
    @maxwellasante9639 11 місяців тому +1

    They dominated club and international football together
    1 World Cup
    1 Euro
    3 UCL
    5 Laliga and many more together

  • @aakashtiwari7594
    @aakashtiwari7594 2 місяці тому

    This,along with Pirlo,Kaka,Seedorf and Gattuso are the best midfield we have seen in 21st century

  • @habaalshem9266
    @habaalshem9266 10 місяців тому

    Those 3 were the spine of Pep's legendary Barca.
    This Barca team and Ajax 1995- the 2 best club teams ever, by far. Simply untouchable teams😱

  • @boniface494
    @boniface494 9 місяців тому

    Best midfield ever. Free flowing fluid football all day

  • @regenmeister4444
    @regenmeister4444 Рік тому

    Cool one

  • @Shades-of-76
    @Shades-of-76 Рік тому +20

    Like all the best midfields, it had a wonderful balance and cohesion, as did Modric, Kroos and Casemiro, for example. Similarly, Keane, Scholes, Beckham & Giggs, albeit a quartet. Not looking to cause an argument I don’t support any of these clubs, just appreciative of their respective qualities 😎

    • @bg22757
      @bg22757 11 місяців тому +1

      A good point well made!

  • @dodleymortune8422
    @dodleymortune8422 11 місяців тому +1

    In club AND country, I never realised that they probably are the best country side midfield trio too.

  • @Thomas-jl8xr
    @Thomas-jl8xr Рік тому +6

    Xavi is getting underrated nowadays, the 🐐 cm for ones who know ball

    • @5at5una
      @5at5una Рік тому

      but Pep tho haha

    • @renevandelooij8470
      @renevandelooij8470 Рік тому +4

      Xavi was easy the best of the 3 and for the tikki takka game even more important then messi

    • @dagotowka9191
      @dagotowka9191 Рік тому

      @@renevandelooij8470 literally

  • @schroedericeman7200
    @schroedericeman7200 Рік тому +2

    Short answer: Yes.

  • @sayamnasir3860
    @sayamnasir3860 2 місяці тому +1

    This is the greatest midfield ever. Period.

  • @jimmy-vy8hy
    @jimmy-vy8hy 10 місяців тому

    In 2010 world cup 7 players were from Barca : Puyol,Pique , Bousquet ,Xavi ,Iniesta ,Pedro ,Villa !

  • @Typicalrn10
    @Typicalrn10 10 місяців тому

    you know i still remember that 2014 barca squad when i think of barca with the greatest midfield and the greatest attack in my opinion.

  • @kasondekafwimbi4402
    @kasondekafwimbi4402 Рік тому

    You look good with beard man. Keep it 😂😂

  • @greaystatia7708
    @greaystatia7708 5 місяців тому

    Beautiful beautiful time😢

  • @superpoochable
    @superpoochable 11 місяців тому +1

    Football intelligence and reactions beats physical dominance every time. That's why it's the beautiful game.

  • @fresaconnata11
    @fresaconnata11 Рік тому +4

    Here is to hoping that pedri, gavi, or frenkie live up to even half of what these legends produced. VISCA EL BARÇA I VISCA CATALUNYA

    • @sumomaster5585
      @sumomaster5585 Рік тому +1

      I mean TBF they had prime Messi and that being was heavenly. Only now at 33+ is he actually playable.

  • @sydneyokwor973
    @sydneyokwor973 10 місяців тому

    Nostalgic

  • @LoyalGio
    @LoyalGio 11 місяців тому

    Ronaldo, Rivaldo & Ronaldinho / D. Bergkamp, Ruud Gullit & Frank Rijkaard

  • @yeshuaisking1247
    @yeshuaisking1247 11 місяців тому +1

    Pep saw himself in Busquets, that's why he brought him up