'Iniesta is a master' – Valverde purrs over Barca's game-changer

Philippe Coutinho was handed a full debut against Alaves, but it was left to the old master to salvage matters

Ernesto Valverde has hailed Andres Iniesta's enduring brilliance after helping Barcelona out of a tricky spot against Alaves.

The runaway La Liga leaders were 18 minutes from a first top-flight defeat of the campaign after John Guidetti gave the struggling visitors a shock first-half lead at Camp Nou.

But goals from Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi turned the game on its head and secured a 2-1 win for Barca, restoring their 11-point advantage at the summit.

An impish dribble and delicate cross from Iniesta made the Uruguayan striker's goal possible and Valverde was keen to pay tribute to…