Xavi Hernandez explained why he took off Frenkie de Jong in the second half of Barcelona’s win over Elche at the Camp Nou.
De Jong departed in the second half, with the scoreline still at 2-2, and was replaced by Riqui Puig for the final 15 minutes.
Barcelona went on to win the game, courtesy of Nico Gonzalez’s late strike, and Xavi explained the substitution after the game.
“He has given us things. He may not have been as fluent as Gavi and Nico but he is making a spectacular effort,” he said.
“He has given us a good defensive job, recovery of second balls.