Ernesto Valverde: 'Ousmane Dembele improving defensively'

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has praised Ousmane Dembele for his performance in the meeting with Leganes, but admits that there is still "room for improvement".

The France international, who could cost Barca up to £135m following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund last summer, played an important role in the 3-1 win on Saturday evening.

Dembele claimed an assist for one of Lionel Messi's three goals at Camp Nou, but it was his ability to help out defensively that particularly pleased Valverde.

"I liked the way he attacked in that game. I also enjoyed the fact that he has pressed the ball so much after losing it," he told reporters after the match.

"He has become involved in that facet, which is where I think he has more room for improvement. We know he has the talent, but he has to work at the other things."

Dembele now has five La Liga assists for Barcelona, but has yet to get off the mark with his first goal in the competition.