Marc Roca played the entire 90 minutes as Real Betis held Atletico Madrid to a 0-0 draw on Sunday evening, and the Leeds United midfielder has received high acclaim from Spanish media.
Roca kept his position against Atletico Madrid after playing effectively and seeing out the first 90 minutes of the season in a 2-1 win against Villarreal last Sunday. Manuel Pellegrini’s squad has had a difficult start to the season.
They did, however, keep a clean sheet and earn a point against Diego Simeone’s team. Roca has played every minute of two challenging games, earning four points. On Twitter, Betis supporters appear to be overjoyed.
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.”
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.
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