Thierry Henry Praises Rodri: "Barça Have Found Another Busquets"

Barcelona kick off their Champions League campaign against Feyenoord this Wednesday, and all eyes are on Rodri, the summer signing who has energized the fanbase. Thierry Henry, a club legend and now a CBS Sports analyst, did not hold back with praise for the Spanish midfielder, seeing him as the natural heir to Sergio Busquets.

• Thierry Henry says Rodri is Barcelona's new Busquets.
• The former French striker believes the midfielder completely transforms the team.
• Rodri could make his Champions League debut for Barça against Feyenoord.
• Henry highlighted the Spaniard's defensive awareness and ball distribution.
• The 2023 European champion is aiming to repeat the title with the Catalan side.

Henry Does Not Shy Away from the Rodri vs Busquets Debate

Asked whether Rodri is better than Sergio Busquets, Henry avoided a direct comparison but made it clear the new Barcelona midfielder reminds him a lot of the Badia-born legend. The Frenchman admitted he never expected to see another player with that profile at the club.

I don't know if he is better than Busquets or not, because that is another discussion, but I never thought I would see another Busquets. I have seen one, I am seeing one. Barça have found another Busquets.

Rodri's Immediate Impact on Hansi Flick's Lineup

The defensive midfielder has only played three matches in a Barcelona shirt, but in that short time he has shown he will be an essential piece for Flick. Henry pointed to the 5-0 win over Valencia at Mestalla, where the Catalan side did not concede a single counterattack.

For the Frenchman, that control of the game is no accident. Rodri provides defensive cover that frees up his teammates and allows the team to settle in the opposition half. His reading of plays and ability to break up attacks without committing fouls make the difference.

The Tactical Awareness That Has Won Henry Over

The former striker analyzed in detail one defensive action from Rodri against Valencia. Instead of diving in to stop the opposing attacker, the Spaniard stopped two meters short, assessed the situation, and allowed his team to regroup. He then recovered the ball and switched play to the opposite flank.

There was no pressure on the ball, he controlled the inside, took the outside player away, ran with the opponent as he should. And as a defensive midfielder he recycled the ball and passed it straight forward.

A European Champion Ready to Storm the Champions League Again

Rodri already knows what it feels like to lift the famous trophy. He did it with Manchester City in 2023, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Inter Milan. That experience is a major asset for a Barcelona side looking to end their European drought and rule the continent again.

This Wednesday against Feyenoord, the midfielder is expected to make his first Champions League appearance as a Barça player. Henry trusts he will stay fully fit so the Catalan club can be a fearsome contender in Europe's top competition.

What Rodri Can Bring to Barça in Europe

Tempo Control

Rodri dictates the rhythm of matches like few other holding midfielders. He knows when to speed up circulation and when to cool things down with long spells of possession. In European knockout ties, that control can be decisive for managing leads or neutralizing opponents.

Defensive Protection

His positioning keeps the team from being exposed to quick transitions. Henry specifically noted that Barça did not concede counterattacks against Valencia, a recurring problem for the Catalan side in Europe over recent years.

Clean Ball Distribution

The Spaniard does not just break up opposition play; he also starts attacks with vertical passes. That dual role makes him a complete midfielder and the compass for Flick's team.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rodri and His Arrival at Barça