Luis Enrique has highlighted the importance of Luis Suarez for Barcelona following the Uruguay international's man-of-the-match performance in the 3-1 win over Eibar on Sunday.

Barcelona conceded an early opening goal, but Suarez then guided the Catalans with a sublime hat-trick to take his tally for the La Liga season to seven in eight appearances.

"We know the importance of Luis. What he gives you is invaluable, non-negotiable," Luis Enrique said at a news conference. "If he then finishes in the area, that's great. He's essential and irreplaceable."

Barcelona struggled to find its best form in the opening 45 minutes, but improved after the break.

"We tried to fix the problems we had in the first half. With a team like Eibar, unbeaten away from home, it’s normal that we had trouble to get going," Luis Enrique added. "Fortunately, we won the game with intensity and effectiveness in the final stretch.

"Going out there with three defenders isn't a problem as long as we are successful, but it isn't an exact science. It's about working hard and doing it better."

Barca is level on points with league leader and rival Real Madrid, which is unbeaten.