Marc Roca has made an impressive start to life at Real Betis since joining the Spanish club on loan from Leeds United – and Spanish media outlet ED praised him despite a 4-2 loss to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Roca, 26, joined Real Betis earlier this summer as one of the seven first-team players that has utilised the loan clause implemented by Victor Orta. Along with the likes of Marc Roca, Robin Koch and others.
The left-footed midfielder struggled at Leeds last season. He struggled to cope with the intensity of the Premier League and Jesse Marsch would often sub the ex-Bayern Munich man. He is now back in Spain.
Betis have had a tough start to the season, facing Villarreal and Atletico Madrid in their first two games. But Roca has played every single minute as Betis secured a solid four points from those matches.
Then, on Sunday evening, Betis went to Bilbao. Again, Roca saw out the entire match – but having gone 2-0 up, Betis suffered a 4-2 loss. But, ED gave Roca a 6/10 rating, only behind Isco. He was praised.
“Does everything with sense, recovers many balls, makes superb coverage to teammates. Risks little in passing, chooses when to be daring well. Successfully embedded himself between centre-backs.”
Spanish media praise on-loan Leeds man Roca despite 4-2 loss
Clearly, Roca is better suited to Spanish football. The slower tempo, less physicality but more focus on the technical aspect of the game. Roca’s passing was always excellent. But his ability to fight, not so.
In his career, Roca starred at Espanyol, earning a move to Germany where he struggled. In England, he did not do himself an favours but back in Spain, Roca is getting back to his best. It is where he is suited.
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