Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert Terry Gibson has earmarked Marc Roca to impress in his debut season at Leeds United. The midfielder signed from Bayern Munich for around £10million after struggling for regular game time, but was highly sought after across Europe following four outstanding campaigns at Espanyol and with Spain’s under-21 side at the 2019 European Championships.
The 25-year-old excelled at the Catalan club in a deep-lying midfield role and was seen by Leeds director of football Victor Orta as the perfect partner for a more defensive option - initially Kalvin Phillips, although that is likely going to change. Renowned for his outstanding vision and passing range, Roca attracted interest from German giants Bayern but failed to break into the first-team regularly amid competition alongside Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka.
He did impress, however, in the short spells when he was called upon and was picked out by Munich manager Julien Nagelsmann when covering for Kimmich in the Bundesliga. And Spanish expert Gibson believes the midfielder will be ‘real asset’ at Leeds, and that the fans will really enjoy watching the intelligent playmaker.
READ MORE: Leeds United transfer news LIVE: Chelsea confident on Raphinha deal, Mohamed Camara latest
“Victor Orta is the sporting director there, he knows the Spanish market really well and he’s brought in Marc Roca from Bayern Munich, who is ex-Espanyol. As a player I really do like him.” Gibson told Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk Podcast . “I’m not going to make comparisons to Kalvin Phillips, but in terms of quality he could be a real asset to Leeds United in the Premier League next season. So, they’re losing Phillips but I think they will enjoy watching Marc Roca play as well.”
Roca was initially brought in to complement Phillips rather than replace him, and Orta will no doubt be working hard to find the perfect successor to his lynchpin. There have been concerns about Roca’s physicality in the Premier League, and the Whites must work intelligently to pair the silky passer with a more industrious partner.
Mohamed Camara and Tyler Adams are the names most heavily linked with a move to Elland Road, and both have the physical attributes to work well alongside a more possession-based midfielder.
But if the ex-Bayern man can adapt to the speed of the English top-flight and find the space to work his magic, he can provide the quality in possession that was lacking during the past year.
READ NEXT
Leeds United transfer rumours as race for Mohamed Camara heats up
Leeds United transfer links to winger Alberth Elis reemerge as Premier League rivals join fray
Robin Koch has the edge on Diego Llorente and a Leeds United head start he must capitalise on
Kalvin Phillips’ Leeds United departure edges closer with Man City medical pencilled in
Leeds United confirm defender's permanent exit for Championship side Stoke City
