Barca have swept all before them in recent times, winning five trophies in the last six months, and that success looks set to continue this term as well with Pep Guardiola's men already seemingly well into their stride.

Last night's 4-1 win at Racing Santander continued Barca's 100% start to the league campaign and they provisionally sit at the top of the standings with 12 points from four games, with 14 goals scored and just three conceded.

That is just the sort of form that took Barca to an unprecedented treble of league, cup and Champions League last season, and, worryingly for their rivals, Alves feels there is more to come from the team.

"We are recovering the tone that maybe at the start we didn't have. Every time we are better, that's our objective," said Alves following the defeat of Racing, where Barca again had the points wrapped up early on after going 3-0 up in the opening 30 minutes.

"We had a great game," added the Brazilian on the club's website.

"We moved the ball well and created a lot of chances. We've also scored goals, which is the most important thing. The guys up front have done very well."

Despite Barca's impressive start to the campaign though, Alves' fellow defender Gerard Pique has dismissed any suggestion they are unbeatable.

"The game appeared easier than it actually was. We maintained possession of the ball well. This is Barca, but we cannot think that we are invincible," said the Spain international, who did admit he felt there may be a gap between his side and big-spending Real Madrid compared to the rest of the division.

"We've started well and we hope to continue winning. It seems that Barca and Madrid are playing at a different level," he said.