Rafinha: I see Barcelona as a complete team that reacts to decisive moments

Barcelona midfielder Rafinha Alcantara ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament at the start of December and has therefore been unable to participate in his side's recent matches, but the 26-year-old is impressed with what his teammates have been doing on the pitch.

Fresh from their 3-0 win in the Copa del Rey Clasico, having beaten Sevilla 4-2 away just days earlier, Rafinha views this Barcelona as not having many weaknesses.

"I see a great team," the Brazilian said when talking about Barcelona to Radio MARCA.

"When January and February arrive, you notice the fatigue because it is normal.

"When important matches come, there is motivation and less tiredness.

"I see a complete team and [Barcelona] react to decisive moments."

Rafinha came through the famed La Masia academy and there are high hopes for two players coming through, Carles Alena and Riqui Puig, with the former already getting some game time and impressing in the first team.

"I have followed Carles since he was the age of 10, his evolution," he noted.

"I think he's a fantastic player.

"He is a great footballer. If you see how he plays... Riqui Puig is the same.

"Barcelona do good work with the academy so the players who go up [to the first team] adapt well."

Off the pitch, Rafinha has a close relationship with Philippe Coutinho and he has stuck up for the No.7, following plenty of criticism for Barcelona's record signing.

"He is very good," he added.

"When it seems that things are not going to plan, he is criticised. He is contributing and helping the team.

"At one end he is asked for goals, but what he gives and how he fits, we see that he helps us in an extraordinary way.

"He's cheap for his quality."