Gerrard, Lampard in awe of ‘absolute nightmare’ Barca star

Matt Stead

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets is “an absolute nightmare to play against,” according to Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

Busquets was in fine form as Barca drew 1-1 against Chelsea on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old has been a key part of the side once again this season, and is on course to win his seventh La Liga title.

Gerrard and Lampard, who both faced the midfielder during their playing careers, were eager to praise him.

“Having played against him, in the end, you stop pressing him because it’s just so frustrating,” Lampard told BT Sport. “You can’t get near him, you can’t get the ball off him, you can’t get close.”

Gerrard was in full agreement. “If you come out of your position to press him, he pops it around you – and you can’t do it for 90 minutes because you’re just using useless energy up,” he said.

“He’s an absolute nightmare to play against.

“He didn’t break sweat. It almost looks like he is in second gear.”