Leeds are considering a surprise move for Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca this summer – a player that has been compared to Spanish legend Xabi Alonso. Leeds would need to pay a bargain £10million fee for Roca.
Bayern completed a move to sign 25-year-old Roca from La Liga side Espanyol back in the summer of 2020. But he has found game time near impossible in Germany, playing just 24 times for Bayern in two seasons.
In 2021-22, he was afforded just 13 appearances – only four of which came from the start. The likes of Josh Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Corentin Tolisso, Marcel Sabitzer and Jamal Musiala have limited his chances of football.
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The Athletic report that Leeds are looking to take advantage and make Roca their third summer signing – after Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen. The Bundesliga’s own website compared him to Alonso, after his arrival.
“Renowned for his composure on the ball, footballing intelligence and passing ability, it is little wonder Roca has been likened to former Bayern, Real, Liverpool, Real Sociedad and Spain midfield great, Alonso.
“His defensive reading of the game, meanwhile, has drawn comparisons with Busquets, Barcelona’s master of dirty work and distribution,” the Bundesliga website wrote, on comparisons between Roca and Alonso.
Leeds considering Roca: Compared to Alonso
If he is half as good as Alonso was, then Roca will be a good signing for Leeds. A great one, at just £10million. Roca is certainly the same position as Alonso, sitting at the base of the midfield and is able to spray passes.
Both long, and short. But it was the aura in which Alonso went about his work, as if he was painting a picture in the middle of the park. The ex-Liverpool man was known for his ability to score from long range.
Leeds do need a holding midfielder. One to either partner Kalvin Phillips or provide cover.Huddersfield’s Lewis O’Brien continues to be a target for that role. Now, it could be Roca.
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