Former Bordeaux coach Gus Poyet has defended Malcom's sluggish start to his career at Barcelona.

Poyet was still with Bordeaux when they sold the winger last summer.

He told Esports COPA, "He's spectacular. I know him well. He was the best player in the team. That helps because he's one of those players that, when he feels important, can make the difference." The coach believes the biggest problem facing Malcolm is what position suits him the most.

"He could play on the right of a 4-3-3 but with (Leo) Messi it's complicated. When he's good and is given minutes, he has a lot of quality. But it isn't the same as being the star player in a team to having a different role. That requires a period of adaptation."