Marc Roca completed the entire 90 minutes as Real Betis secured an impressive 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening – and the Leeds United midfielder has earned big praise from Spanish media.
Having done well and saw out the first 90 minutes of the season in a 2-1 win over Villarreal last Sunday, Roca retained his place against Atletico Madrid. A tricky start to the season for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
But, they kept a clean sheet and secured a point against Diego Simeone’s side. Four points from two difficult games and Roca has played every single minute. Indeed, Betis fans seem very happy on Twitter.
Spanish media were impressed on Sunday, too. Roca earned a 7/10 rating for his 90-minute outing on Sunday, alongside a few others – and only behind one, in Isco. El Desmarque said he is fitting ‘perfectly’.
“One of the reinforcements that has raised the level. He blended perfectly in his defensive facet, where he pressed and won many duels, with his clear and judicious delivery of the ball with his great left foot.”
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Leeds midfielder Roca earns praise as Betis draw with Atletico
Couple of things that are surprising here. Roca struggled to keep the intensity levels high whenever he was tasked with playing 90 minutes in a Leeds shirt. That might be a shift from him – or a different style.
La Liga is more technical, slower than the Premier League – less physical. Perhaps, the Spanish way of football suits Roca more so, than England. Another surprise, is that he is instantly become a key player.
But, Roca – who, judging by his social media channels, worked hard during the summer – has clearly picked well in terms of his next club. Maybe, it is the start of his value rise and Leeds making a profit.