Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman is delighted with the progress of Ilaix Moriba.

The young midfielder is now becoming more and more involved in Koeman's first team plans.

The teen is set to face Rayo Vallecano tonight in the Copa del Rey and his coach enthused: "The players who can have a future here is that they sometimes train with the first team to know the level. Ilaix is one of them, despite his youth.

"We give the feeling that we have him and if he has options to enter the list, he will. He's doing a good job. There is still a long way to go and it is normal for his youth but he has a future here."

Asked if his squad misses a leader like Carles Puyol, Koeman also said, "Players like Puyol are always missing. When I was (Louis) Van Gaal's captain, there was Xavi, Gabri, Puyol… I've known him for many years. He has always been a player of the house and with great character. Any team needs a player like him."