Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has conceded that "things can improve off the pitch" for Ousmane Dembele.

Dembele, 21, has endured several disciplinary issues this season, with the Frenchman reportedly consistently late to team meetings and training sessions.

The former Borussia Dortmund attacker has been impressive on the field, however, managing nine goals and five assists in 20 matches in all competitions for the Spanish giants.

Alba said that Dembele "is an important player" for the Catalan giants while admitting that there are some concerns off the field.

"He is an important player for us. He's young, but in the dressing room we've never had any issues. At the end of the day he is playing well. Things can improve off the pitch but we are happy with him," Alba told reporters.

Dembele scored an impressive solo goal in Barcelona's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League earlier this week.