Barcelona stand-in coach Jordi Roura has stressed the importance of David Villa in the team's success.
The Spain international has struggled to replicate the form of previous seasons with the Catalans throughout the campaign, prompting speculation about a move away from Camp Nou.
However, the 31-year-old has shown glimpses of his best in recent outings for the Spanish giants, including a goal and two assists in Sunday's 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano.
Roura praised the character of Villa to bounce back from the dip in form.
"I've always said that Villa is a very important player for us, and that his time would come. He's a special player, a goalscorer. He has been essential to us this week," Roura told reporters.
"He has extraordinary quality, and playing well and scoring in a game as important as the one against Milan was a real psychological boost for him."
The 45-year-old coach also erred on the side of caution in discussing whether Barcas 13-point cushion at the summit of La Liga would be sufficient in securing the title.
"There's no denying that we're in a very good position, and each week we get a little closer," he said.
"But nothing has been won yet. We have to take each game as it comes. I know that's a cliché, but it's true."
