Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman praised matchwinner Ousmane Dembele after victory over Real Valladolid.

Koeman acknowledged that his Barcelona side weren't quite at their best as they beat Valladolid 1-0 on Monday evening, courtesy of a late Dembele strike.

Dembele is finally enjoying an injury-free run at the Camp Nou and he continues to prove his importance to the team.

"He's an important player," Koeman said of the Frenchman.

"He has shown that with his performance and goal and he gave us the three points.

"He's had a very good season, he has improved a lot. Regularity has been the key for him."