Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez is determined to build on last season's breakthrough campaign.

Nico was one of the academy players who made the leap to the first team as a possible solution to the on-field crisis, and he wants to continue improving.

"This year the idea is the same as last year, when in the end I only played two games for Barcelona B and I was in the first team," Nico said.

"The idea is to fight to play as many games as possible."

The midfielder is thrilled with the new additions, confirming that Joan Laporta is making good progress so far in the market.

"You can't deny that the squad is growing and improving a lot," Nico acknowledged.

"It's clear that we're making a huge leap in quality with the new signings and I'm sure it will turn into titles and a better year than last year."

Nico admitted that playing against Real Madrid is always a thrill, and that it will be no different for this one, which will take place in Las Vegas early on Saturday morning at 05:00 Spanish time - 20:00 local time on Saturday.

"It's always exciting to play and it's a great extra motivation. I've had the chance to play two games against them and it's spectacular when we play Real Madrid," Nico said.