Leeds United loanee Marc Roca has been praised for his performance in Real Betis’ 2-1 win over Osasuna on Sunday.
In Eldesmarque’s post-match player ratings piece, Roca was handed a rating of 6/10, receiving plaudits for the way he ‘handled himself’ in an intense midfield battle.
Roca was one of eight senior players to leave Leeds on loan in the summer following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, and is seemingly among those enjoying the most success.
The Spaniard has started all but one of Betis‘ matches across all competitions so far, and aside from some general criticism over the international break, has frequently been winning praise for his displays.
Having started at centre-back in the Europa League win over Aris Limassol on Thursday night, Roca reverted back to his usual position of central midfield on Sunday.
Roca praised for Betis display
In a game where both sides enjoyed an equal share of the ball, Roca was applauded for his quality both on and off the ball, in a match where there was ‘so much pressure in midfield’.
They wrote: “Marc Roca (6) : In a match with so much pressure in the midfield, the Catalan handled himself with determination and a strong foot when it came to contesting the divided balls. Thefts in dangerous areas.”
Roca has seemingly quickly become a key cog in this Betis side since his move with manager Manuel Pellegrini starting him in almost every game both in La Liga, and in Europe.
It is interesting to hear that Roca has also been handed starts at centre-back in recent weeks, as based on the evidence we saw at Leeds, it is difficult to imagine him ever playing there.
Roca’s weakness in the Premier League was always coping with the intensity of midfield battles and so this latest praise is more evidence of how the Spanish league suits him much more than England.
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