Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Sergio Busquets left him 'feeling like a Conference player' in Barcelona's 2-1 Champions League final triumph over Manchester United in 2011.
The Barcelona midfielder has impressed for Spain throughout the European Championships.
His first-half performance in the semi-final against Italy, reminded Ferdinand of the day he went up against Busquets at Wembley.
Providing half-time analysis for the BBC of the Euro 2020 semi-final at the same stadium, Ferdinand: 'It was here at Wembley, and we got abused in that game by Barcelona, they were brilliant.
'So your confidence is low and I was trying to get the ball back from him [Busquets] at a throw-in and he just said 'ah Ferdinand, Vidic, boom, boom, boom' [imitating passes]. I felt like a Conference player.'
On the Spaniard's performance against Italy, Ferdinand said: 'He has bossed this game and he's a fabulous player to watch.'
United struggled against Barcelona in the final, two years after they lost to the Catalan club in the final in Rome.
Pedro fired Barcelona ahead only for Wayne Rooney to equalise on the half-hour mark.
Lionel Messi then made it 2-1 before David Villa added a third to seal the trophy for one of the greatest club sides of all time.
Busquets has been a regular for Barcelona ever since, making 629 appearances for the club since 2008.
ishti
652
Busquets in the Midfielder today
Desmondeyum
596
When you look at the way Pedri and Busquets are completely running Spain’s midfield and this tournament. And when you add Frenkie de Jong to those two, there’s absolutely no excuse for Barça not dominating every match that we play.
Desmondeyum
265
The amount of time Busquets stretches his legs mid-game to receive or intercept a pass it's a real surprise that he hardly ever suffered from hamstring or groin injuries.
Rimcimopz
214
I feel like many people still don't realize how good Busquets really is. For me he is still underrated
Desmondeyum
208
Spain out, however Barca players can leave with their heads raised high: • Pedri: Best youngster of the Euros in my opinion 💎 • Busquets: World class. Spain started winning when he came back. • Eric Garcia: Mature and solid display vs Italy 🤝 • Alba: Great tournament 👏
shivam1810
195
Busquets is the greatest cdm of this era. No debates.
Mia16
11
Busquets is the greatest cdm of this era. No debates.
yeah I have to agree with you Casemiro is of course good but prime Busquets was something else