Former Barca Atletic coach Javi Garcia Pimenta insists Nico Gonzalez can replace departing captain Sergi Busquets.

Nico is currently on-loan with Valencia and Garcia Pimenta says he deserves a chance next season.

Garcia Pimenta worked with Nico during his four years at Barca.

The now Las Palmas coach said: "He's the ideal player to be a pivot at Barça.

"He is 1.88m tall, strong, wins duels, doesn't lose position and gives a lot of continuity to the game with his vertical runs."