Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique has praised the contribution that Luis Suarez has made since he arrived at the club from Liverpool last summer.

A suspension meant that Suarez could not make his Barca debut until late October and initially he struggled for form.

However, the Uruguayan has now scored five goals in his last six outings, including one during yesterday's 3-1 victory away at Granada.

Despite his recent upturn in fortunes, Enrique has insisted that the 28-year-old has "been a special player" from day one at the Camp Nou.

"Ever since he arrived, Suarez has been playing top-class football and working very hard," he told the club's official website.

"He may look more spectacular now and people are seeing more of him, but he has always been a special player that does a lot for the team."

Suarez has scored 10 goals in 24 appearances for the Catalan outfit.