Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde insists Paulinho arrives as a first-choice.

The midfielder was signed on Monday from Guangzhou Evergrande for €40m.

Asked about his new signing, Valverde insisted: "Paulinho is an important player for Brazil's national team.

"He is a midfielder who is regularly in the starting 11. He is technically and physically strong, which could help us a lot. It is true that we did not have players with his characteristics in the team so he will be able to bring us versatility."

Valverde was speaking before their Supercopa defeat at Real Madrid.