Leeds’ squad in the Championship has been severely depleted since relegation back in May, with a host of players exercising their loan exit clauses to secure a swift exit.
One of those was Marc Roca, who had a tough time at Elland Road – like most – last season as he clearly failed to fit into what Jesse Marsch wanted in midfield, perhaps not the Spaniard’s fault, though.
Having played a full 90 minutes in Real Betis’ opener against Villarreal, where they sealed a win in the 95th-minute away from home, he started again in midfield against Atletico Madrid at the Benito Villamarin.
A stalemate was played out between the two sides as Roca once again completed a full 90, something that took him until October to accomplish last season in the Premier League.
The Spaniard registered a passing accuracy of 89%, registering 80 touches, and winning 50% of his ground duels – per Sofascore.
Marca have now reviewed the match, starting off by claiming that Roca’s performance was “exceptional” in the middle of the park under Manuel Pellegrini:
“Marc Roca, in his second match as a Betis player, appeared for the first time before his audience at Benito Villamarín. And his work during the 90 minutes was exceptional for his team, forming a pair with Guido Rodríguez in the insurmountable double pivot for Atlético de Madrid.”
Roca spoke about his performance too, as he’s quoted:
“Very good, very good, very positive. I think we have played two very complete matches, as I tell you. It’s just the beginning, we have to continue, there’s a long way to go and work hard.”
It was always fairly clear to anyone who saw what Roca’s strengths were, that he was best suited to playing in La Liga.
He was never, ever going to be a good player in a Leeds side devoid of quality in defence (including him), where we were playing in transitions constantly under Marsch.
Roca doesn’t have the speed or physicality to play in a side that works mainly in winning the ball high up the field and doesn’t retain possession often.
This is a positive start for us though, knowing he could be worth a decent amount by the time his loan comes to an end.
