Marc Roca starred once again in Real Betis’ new-look midfield as Manuel Pellegrini’s side beat Rayo Vallecano on Saturday 1-0 – and Joel Robles has applauded the on-loan Leeds United midfielder’s form.
Roca, 26, started for the fourth time since joining Betis – in their fourth La Liga match of 23-24. They played host to Andoni Iraola’s old side Rayo – eyeing three points after a tough start to the campaign.
Indeed, Betis had a tough fixture list to begin with – playing Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Bilbao. Doing well to win four points from those three games, Betis took on Rayo at home on Saturday and won 1-0.
Willian Jose got the goal – but Spanish media were very impressed with Roca, describing his display as “remarkable” and “clever”. The left-footed Leeds ace took to Instagram after the win, clearly delighted.
Robles applauds on-loan Leeds midfielder Roca for Betis display
Roca will be delighted with the start he has made at Betis. He has been given the trust required to allow him to shine by Pellegrini – and already, after four games, he is beginning to repay the Chilean manager.
Combining with Isco and Guido Rodriguez, Roca looks as though he is setting in the foundations to go and have a wonderful season in his home nation. He is showing the form Leeds had hoped he’d show.
He, of course, remains on the books at Elland Road. But the chances are that Roca has played his last game for Leeds. His impressive form at Betis is a good sign though – it may earn him a permanent exit.
Roca is one of a number of Spanish players to leave Leeds in the summer – along with Rodrigo, and goalkeeper Joel Robles, who joined Robbie Fowler’s Al-Qadsiah. Robles commented a four-word post.
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