Marc Roca has made an excellent start to life at Real Betis since leaving Leeds United to join the La Liga side on loan for the 2023-24 campaign – and Spanish media raved about him over the weekend, again.
Roca, 26, was one of eight first-team players to leave Leeds on loan. Luis Sinisterra joined that list in the final moments of the window, along with the likes of Robin Koch, Brenden Aaronson and Diego Llorente.
The Spaniard has now started all four of Betis’ matches. Making a good impression in his new side’s first three matches, Betis played host to Andoni Iraola’s old side Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. They won 1-0.
Willian Jose, who spent time on loan at Wolves on loan, got the winner. But Roca impressed in midfield again. Combining with Isco and Guido Rodriguez, Betis now sit in seventh. Spanish media praised Roca.
Estadio Deportivo gave him a 7/10 rating, saying: “Paid attention to the interior corridor to steal balls and cause superiority. Well placed, alternating position first with Guido, and Guardado in the second half.
“Clever at making fouls, he received a warning in the final minutes of the match,” ED said. ABC said he was “Remarkable. He is fitting better in Pellegrini’s side. All the passes went through him, to get to Isco.”
Spanish media rave about Leeds star Roca after Saturday win
Roca’s improved form brings two points to mind. Where was this confidence, and transitional play while he was wearing a Leeds shirt? But perhaps, the second point answers the first – he is suited to Spain.
Since leaving Espanyol, where he starred and forged his career, Roca could not get the hang of it in his two years at Bayern. More game time at Leeds did not improve things. He clearly suits Spanish football.
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