Vilanova applauds young Roberto

Tito Vilanova has praised Sergi Roberto in the aftermath of Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Alaves on Tuesday evening.

The 20-year-old midfielder is seen as one of the hottest prospects at Barca, and featured for the full 90 minutes in the round-of-32 cup game, impressing his coach.

“It’s good to know that Barca have a player (Sergi Roberto) for the long term,” he told reporters.

“He’s in a position to play more games with Barca now. He could possibly play more for the first team, but there are very good players in his position.”

Roberto made his debut for the club in November 2010, but has played mainly for the Catalans’ B team so far.

The Spain Under-21 starlet has a contract with the Liga leaders until June 2015.