Two years ago when Spain lifted the European title in Vienna, a Brazilian-born defensive midfielder was widely regarded as the team's unsung star.
With all the focus on the goalscoring feats of David Villa and Fernando Torres or the silky skills of Andres Iniesta and Xavi, Marcos Senna still managed to attract as many plaudits for his vital role in helping the rest of the team tick. He was also named in UEFA's squad of the tournament.
But after a poor and injury-plagued season in Spain, the 33-year-old was left out of coach Vicente Del Bosque's FIFA World Cup™ squad. Instead, Del Bosque turned to 21-year-old Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets and neither player nor coach have looked back since.
"I feel good, I'm very young but I'm feeling better all the time. I get to train with some great players," said Busquets, ahead of Sunday's FIFA World Cup Final against the Netherlands. "I'm very happy with my form but the important thing is the team, without the help of my team-mates I wouldn't be at this level."
Busquets's rise through the ranks has been lightning quick these last two years. When Spain lifted the UEFA EURO 2008 trophy, Busquets had yet to make his debut for Barca's first team, playing instead for their reserves. His league debut came in September that year and incredibly, despite competing for a mifdfield berth with the likes of Yaya Toure and Seydou Keita, Busquets had nailed down a regular place in the team by the end of the season and even started the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United in Rome.
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