Perhaps surprisingly, Marc Roca has only been on the pitch for a handful of minutes in the Premier League since Javi Gracia was appointed as Leeds United’s new boss.
Admittedly, Roca was injured for the games under Michael Skubala. But he has, so far, been unable to push back ahead of Weston McKennie in the pecking order in the two games since.
He came on for the final moments against Southampton. And he was an unused substitute at Chelsea last weekend.
Roca has to start crucial Leeds game
He did start against Fulham in the FA Cup. But it does appear that he has work to do to regain a starting spot in the Premier League.
Roca seems to divide opinion amongst some of the fanbase. Some absolutely love the £10 million summer signing. Others meanwhile, are not convinced that they are seeing the same player. And free-kicks like the one he completely overhit at Craven Cottage do not help his cause.
However, something needs to change ahead of Leeds’ clash with Brighton this weekend. And one of those changes should perhaps involve Roca coming back in for his first league start under Gracia.
It probably sounds counterproductive, but Leeds may not need to play a number 10 against the Seagulls. We are not scoring goals with one in the side.
Brenden Aaronson is woefully out of form. And others such as Jack Harrison have not been any better in the role.
Brighton have been one of the revelations of the season in the Premier League. So adding greater composure on the ball in the middle of the park is surely much more important than using a number 10 unable to actually create opportunities for the striker.
Only Tyler Adams has completed more progressive passes than Roca in the Leeds squad this season, according to FBRef. And even if you do not think that the 26-year-old has been as good as others believe, you cannot deny that he can pick a pass from midfield like no-one else.
Perhaps we will suffer for not having more bodies further forward. But we have scored one goal in our last five games. It can’t get much worse.
Surely, the time has come to bring Roca back into the starting lineup.
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