Ivan Rakitic lauds Ansu Fati.

Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona runs during a training session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper [Getty]

Ivan Rakitic has heaped praise on Ansu Fati after the 17-year-old helped Barcelona to secure a 2-0 win over Leganes in LaLiga.

Fati broke the deadlock in the first half on Tuesday evening before Lionel Messi's second-half spot-kick wrapped up the win for Barca at the Camp Nou and restored their five-point lead at the top of the Spanish top-flight.

It was Fati's sixth goal of the campaign, however, Rakitic says Ansu has to continue 'working hard and have patience'.

"What Ansu is doing is impressive and we're really happy for him," the Croatian midfielder said.

"His goal made things easier and now what he has to do is keep working and have patience."

Antoine Griezmann struggled to make a major impact on the night and had a goal ruled out for offside in the 64th minute, however, Rakitic said of his teammate: "He scored and it was cancelled.

"He's a very important player for us and he'll only get better with time."

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