Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Beren Cross

Leeds United have a Rodri-Busquets hybrid once at the peak of European under-21 football in Roca

Marc Roca was confirmed as Leeds United’s third summer signing last week. The former Bayern Munich midfielder may have struggled for minutes in Germany, but he was at his very best with Espanyol in La Liga.

LeedsLive spoke to Joan Camí about Roca. He is a journalist with Barcelona-based radio station RAC1 and will be reporting on Espanyol for the seventh year in the coming season.

LL : What were Marc's strengths and weaknesses at Espanyol?

READ MORE: Leeds United braced for transfer exit of talent whose 'character' impressed Victor Orta

JC : Marc was a positional midfielder with a great tactical reading and a very good foot for the ball and the organization of the game. A ‘similar’ profile, saving the distances, to Rodrigo (Manchester City) and Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona).

Physically, he suffered a little at the beginning and it was difficult for him to improve his decision-making in an area of the field where mistakes are usually paid dearly.

LL : What was Marc's best position during his time at Espanyol? What kind of system was the team using and how did he fit into it?

JC : He almost always played as a six. Positional midfielder: single (4-3-3) or accompanying in a double pivot (4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2). He needs to see football face-to-face to filter passes. He is not agile to receive from behind in tight spaces.

LL : Was he on track to play for the senior national team before joining Bayern Munich? Was there any surprise when a club the size of Bayern bought him?

JC : The 18/19 season was the best of his career. Essential for coach Rubi and key in Espanyol's qualification for the Europa League.

He won the European under-21 (title) with Spain, having a very important role, and everything seemed to indicate, sooner rather than later, he would make the leap to the senior team and a better club. He decided to stay at Espanyol and with relegation he lost prominence and value.

LL : I appreciate that you haven't seen Marc regularly for two years, but do you feel his game would suit the Premier League in England?

JC : His experience in the Bundesliga has helped him to get to know another [kind of] football that is very different from the one he knew. A much more dynamic and vertical football, perhaps not as technical and tactical, and that requires other conditions he has been able to develop.

The Premier [League] is more like this football than that of La Liga. I really have some doubts, because he has always stood out in associative contexts, with technical colleagues around him.

LL : Is there still interest in Spain, or even in Espanyol, for Marc's progression? Is he considered a prospect for the national team if he performs well in England?

JC : He has been away from the main focus of the national team for a long time. He would have to perform very well, and continuously, to aspire to the selector's call again. Right now I would say it is quite unlikely because there is a lot of competition.

READ NEXT

Premier League 2 format change as Leeds United youngsters prepare for Division 2

Leeds United's Raphinha replacement options amid Arsenal speculation

Leeds United's pitch to under-23 transfer targets has already been made

Victor Orta had Leeds United dressing room help in getting Roca over the line

Jesse Marsch's selection questions as Leeds United prepare for pre-season return

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.