Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has lavished praise on Sergi Roberto after the Spanish international starred in Saturday's 5-0 victory over Sporting Gijon.

Roberto came through the Barcelona youth system as a central midfielder, but has been converted into a right-back this season and has been a regular in that position for the Spanish champions this term.

After registering two assists against Sporting, Enrique has hailed the 24-year-old's contribution and ability to perform the role to the coach's orders.

"I don't see another right-back better than Sergi Roberto for Barca, a team who will always have the ball against rivals that sit back, but he can play in the middle as a pivot," Enrique told reporters. "I love him because he comes across very well, has a lot of clarity in the lines and gives a lot to the team."

Roberto has seen off competition from Aleix Vidal to secure the position that Dani Alves vacated when he left for Juventus in the summer transfer window.