Marc Roca scored his second goal of the season on Saturday for loan side Real Betis with his weak foot, as the Leeds man played a key role in a 1-1 draw with Getafe – and Spanish media praised the midfielder.
The 26-year-old is impressing in Spain. He has started 11 of Betis’ 12 games in all competitions, rested by Manuel Pellegrini in the other. He is being used as a no.6, a box-to-box terrier in the Betis midfield.
It is working. That, or perhaps a return to his home country – after three difficult years away from Spain. He left Espanyol, his boyhood club, to join Bayern Munich back in 2020. On Saturday, he impressed.
Inside a minute, he played a brilliant one-two before lashing home a right-footed effort to give Betis the lead. His side could not hold onto all three points, but Roca earned plenty of praise from El Desmarque.
“His introduction could not have been better. A sensational one-two with Borja Iglesias, scored with quality to put his team ahead. His goal was matched by another notable performance, fighting it all.”
Spanish media praise Leeds man Roca after goal on weekend
Roca was fantastic, once again. His form has even caught note of the Spain National Team with some rumours suggesting he could earn a call-up, ahead of Euro 2024. His potential is now proving to be true.
Does he have a future at Leeds? Unlikely. Roca will now know that Spanish football is the best place for him and his form with Betis, who trusted him after a tricky season, should see both parties strike a deal.
If a deal cannot be done, then his good form at Betis will surely tempt other clubs. But the chances of making a profit on the £10m fee that saw Leeds buy him from Bayern is unlikely. Roca will leave Leeds.
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