Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo handed Leeds United man Marc Roca an 8/10 rating for his display during Real Betis’ 1-1 away draw against struggling Sevilla on Sunday – but they criticised him, too.
Roca, 26, has been in exceptional form. He was handed a 16th start of the season in Betis’ 18th game, coming on as a sub in the other two games. The Spaniard is impressing under boss Manuel Pellegrini.
The midfielder has even scored four goals for Betis in all competitions, who have made a very solid start to life in La Liga – and in the Europa League. Betis sit seventh, winning three of four European games.
On Sunday afternoon, Betis faced a tricky test away at a Sevilla side that are struggling – but are still strong. But they stretched their unbeaten run to 12 games in all competitions, with a 1-1 draw at Sevilla.
Spanish media gave somewhat of a juxtaposition in their verdict. A rating of 8/10, suggesting he had played well – but then going on to describe Roca as both ‘impetuous’ and ‘erratic’ during the 1-1 draw.
“Impetuous and providing a lot of movement in the centre of the field, but more erratic than in other games. Betis missed passes to connect with attackers. Providential in defence to avoid counter attacks.”
Leeds man Marc Roca gets 8/10 despite criticism on Sunday
Roca has been excellent for Betis and it is becoming quite evident that for the left-footer to shine, he needs to be in his home country. Two years at Bayern, and a year at Leeds, simply did not go to plan.
Previously, he impressed at Espanyol – initially earning the move to the German champions. He is now, arguably, one of the most in-form midfielders in Spanish football. That is down to being back in Spain.
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