Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde says Ivan Rakitic deserves his current place.

Despite falling out of favour at the start of the season, Rakitic looks to have forced his way back into the coach's plans having playing the last four games for Barcelona.

"I see him in the same way as I see the others," Valverde said ahead of today's clash with Real Sociedad.

"We are in a phase where we play a lot of competitions and I know that during the summer or winter transfer window there are questions.

"We have to face the challenges that we have with the players that we have. If he participates more regularly, it is because he is earning it."