They are the same age, they play in the same position, they are very good mates, and they are world and European champions: Bayern star Javi Martinez and his Barcelona counterpart Sergio Busquets play together for their country, but on Tuesday evening, the 24-year-old midfielders cross swords in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
In the build-up to the Allianz Arena clash, fcbayern.de spoke to the pair about their friendship, where the other fits in to his team's tactical plan, and what they expect from the meeting between the German champions and the brilliant Catalan outfit.
Interview: Javi Martinez and Sergio Busquets
fcbayern.de: Javi, Sergio, you know each other very well. How would each of you describe the other as a footballer?
Martinez: Sergio is one of Barcelona's key players. Certainly, there are other individuals who are more often in focus and better known to the public. But he's responsible for Barcelona functioning the way they do. He provides them with balance. He's always aware of where he has to be on the field. In an extremely attacking team, he’s the one player who sticks rigidly to his position. It means the likes of Xavi and Iniesta can contribute more to attack without worrying about defence.
Busquets: Physically, Javi is a complete player. He covers every area of the field, and he frequently uses his long stride to recover possession. He works away in the engine room and does his stuff really well for Bayern.
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