Barcelona boss Xavi has lavished praise on Frenkie de Jong for his performance in Thursday's 3-0 victory over Villarreal at Camp Nou.

The 25-year-old made just his fifth La Liga start of the campaign against the Yellow Submarine, being preferred to Sergio Busquets in the midfield alongside Gavi and Pedri.

De Jong's future continues to be called into question, with Barcelona still thought to be keen to move him on next year due to his substantial wage packet.

Manchester United were heavily linked with the Netherlands international over the summer and are still believed to have an interest in bringing him to Old Trafford next year.

Xavi revealed his delight at the Dutchman's performance against Villarreal, claiming that he is "the best player in the team when it comes to breaking lines".

"Frenkie was very good. He really enjoyed the game, he understood it very well and he played a very complete game. I'm happy for him," Xavi told reporters after the match.

"The first half today was very good. We understood that the 'free man' was the pivot, Frenkie. Frenkie is the best player in the team when it comes to breaking lines. Today, he understood that very well, also in defence... Frenkie was especially good today."

Xavi also said that De Jong's performance that convinced him that he deserves to be in the starting XI on a more consistent basis this season.

"Yes, of course, especially defensively, he knew what to do, he was in the right position with Pedri and Gavi. He knew when to press and when to defend," the manager added.

De Jong has scored once in 12 appearances for Barcelona this season, and he will be bidding to keep hold of his starting role for Sunday's clash with Athletic Bilbao.

Xavi also reiterated the importance of remaining "calm" following the victory over Villarreal, with Barcelona navigating their way through a testing period of the campaign.

"Today with the messages on the phone it seems that I have won the lottery. Calm, now we are not the best team, I know that the expectations are high but we must work with humility," he added.

Barcelona suffered a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico last weekend, which handed the reigning champions the initiative in terms of the league table.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are currently three points clear of their bitter rivals at the top of the division, while they will have the chance to move six clear when they take on Sevilla on Saturday night. body check tags ::