Luis Enrique believes Denis Suarez could replace Andres Iniesta as Barcelona's "Harry Potter" after the midfielder scored twice in his side's 5-2 win over Real Sociedad on Thursday.
Suarez, 23, scored the first and last goals as Barca cruised into the semifinal of the Copa del Rey, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Arda Turan also on target.
"He could be, why not?" Luis Enrique said in his postgame news conference, when asked if Suarez could be a long-term replacement for Iniesta.
"Players have to evolve. He has to improve, but Iniesta is Harry Potter, he makes magic, and it's difficult to find another. But Denis is on the right path and I hope he can be [Iniesta's heir]."
After scoring his first Barca goal in last weekend's win at Eibar, Suarez has now taken his tally to three goals for the club since returning from Villarreal in the summer.
"The goals will boost his morale," the Barca boss added. "He's been arriving in the area at the right time, but he's needed a little more efficiency, but he's shown that today with his finishes.
"Denis is the youngest player in the squad and one of the few players to leave Barca B and be able to return. That's because of taking care of the ball but also [because of] working hard off the ball, which some players forget about.
"You have the ball for a minute or a minute and a half in the game, so if you don't do well without it, you have no chance at this level. Denis understands that and he's well-loved by his teammates."
Suarez's second effort came off the back of some smart play by Messi, who created two of his side's goals and had a big impact in the second half.
And playing alongside the Argentine international is something Suarez is relishing.
"I think I have a special connection with Messi," the midfielder told reporters. "Since I've [come back to the club] he's treated me well and when I am playing on the right of midfield [close to him] we understand each other.
"If you find the space, he will find you. I am getting better. It's not easy to get in the best team in the world, but I hope I can keep on moving forward now."