Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde praised Gerard Pique for their win over Real Valladolid.

He singled out the performances of two contrasting players, Pique who impressed and Kevin Prince-Boateng, who did not, for further analysis.

"Pique had a great game and I think he is doing well and he can withstand playing a lot of games which is why I stick with him," Valverde said.

"Having retired from international football, he doesn't have that hanging over him.

"Boateng came to us a difficult time of the season and that can be tough to do when you haven't been participating regularly and don't know the mechanisms of the team.

"He has helped us though and will do so even more."