Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has paid tribute to Ousmane Dembele for putting in a "sensational" performance against Villarreal in La Liga on Sunday night.

Dembele impressed for the Spanish champions against the Yellow Submarine, setting up the team's opening goal and playing a key role in their 2-0 success.

The France international has had his problems off the pitch this season, but Valverde was delighted with the former Borussia Dortmund's display at the weekend.

"Dembele was sensational for us," Valverde told reporters. "He was one of our standout performers and added a lot to our performances – he beat players, showed his pace, his dribbling abilities, his self-belief – he took risks and they paid off.

"We believe he can continue to show this in forthcoming games because we are not surprised by this and we believe it has been on its way. We are obviously really happy with the performance but this is Dembele's level and we believe we should be expecting even more now."

Dembele has scored seven times and registered four assists in 18 appearances for Barcelona this season.