Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman is delighted with the progress of Carles Alena.

Alena was outstanding for the midweek Champions League win at Dynamo Kiev.

"He is a young player that's been away (on loan at Real Betis)," Koeman said. "The change of system was tough for him at first this season, but he is improving a lot to be a pivot in this team.

"He is working hard, giving everything, changing things he needs to be a Barça player in midfield.

"You need intensity, defensive work. We're no playing with two interiors, but with two pivots, so we need to give him time to improve."