Koeman delighted: The Griezmann - Memphis connection is very good

Prudent but satisfied. Ronald Koeman is aware the season is only just getting started, that friendlies are just rehearsals, but the sensations are good. His Barcelona side won their third game of preseason on Saturday but their first against a top division side. They blew German opponents Stuttgart away in the first 45 minutes. 

The Dutch coach defined it as "a great performance, knowing Stuttgart have been back training for longer. We showed that we're on a good path, physically we're improving and the players working really hard. It was very good. 

"On top of that, we have shown in different moments of the game a lot of quality. We could have scored more. The attitude and ambition from the team was very impressive. 

"I think it's important to face a team like Stuttgart, who have been training for a while, also at their ground, with fans... it was important for everyone. I think Barça today showed a great team with big future, with young players. There's a lot of competition, that's the important thing." 

Asked about Memphis Depay, who scored one and helped make another in the win, Koeman was full of praise.

He said: "I'm sure people know Memphis, because he was at Manchester United and was then at Lyon. He has shown that he's a goal scorer, today he's shown it again, scoring the first with an great piece of individual skill. With his play, speed and strength he gives other things to the team. His connection with Antoine [Griezmann] is very good, his quality gives us a lot." 

Finally, on the depth in attack at the club, Koeman added: "We're going to have competition in attack with more players than can play in different positions. We're going to have [Sergio] Aguero, I hope Leo [Messi]is back with us... it's that quality in attack which we need, players that can make make difference in final result."