Barcelona coach Xavi was delighted with Alejandro Balde for victory over Elche.

Balde, 18, has started the last five LaLiga matches for Barça after Jordi Alba started the opener against Rayo Vallecano in August.

And the Spain U21 international has continued to deliver, setting up two goals in Saturday's 3-0 win against Elche at Camp Nou.

"I am happy for him," Xavi said after the win, which took Barça top of the league, at least until Real Madrid play Atletico on Sunday.

"He has great quality and character. It never ceases to amaze me that an 18-year-old can play at that level.

"Physically he is amazing and he is going to give us a lot. We have three left-backs at an extraordinary level, with Jordi and Marcos (Alonso) as well."