Jermaine Pennant has slammed Marc Roca after seeing the midfielder’s performance for Leeds United against Manchester City.
Pennant was speaking to talkSPORT after City had claimed a 3-1 win at Elland Road.
Pennant suggested that Leeds were ‘flat’ against the Premier League champions before turning his attention to midfielder Roca.
The former Arsenal winger – who did spend time on loan at Leeds – admitted that he would have dragged Roca off after just 25 minutes.
Pennant felt that Roca’s display was nowhere near Premier League standard and believes Jesse Marsch should have substituted him early.
“Oh, Marc Roca. I would’ve hooked him. Dragged him, pulled him out after 25 minutes. Lad, get a shower, support the boys on the bench. That is not Premier League standard,” said Pennant.
Roca managed the whole 90 minutes against Manchester City, seemingly leaving Pennant tearing his hair out.
This wasn’t the Spaniard’s best display and whilst Pennant’s criticism may be harsh, Roca himself would probably accept that it wasn’t his night.
Leeds still need another midfielder even after signing Marc Roca and Tyler Adams
This performance did highlight that Leeds still need to find another midfielder in 2023.
Tyler Adams has been outstanding since joining Leeds and may even have some suitors after his superb World Cup campaign.
Roca has been starting alongside Adams and, save for the City game, has mostly played well.
Mateusz Klich is wanted by DC United, Adam Forshaw maybe isn’t at starting Premier League standard anymore and Darko Gyabi is a little raw.
It’s clear that Leeds need more quality in the engine room, meaning that when Adams is out or Roca struggles – both of which happened on Wednesday – the Whites can still compete.
That’s something for Victor Orta to consider, whether it comes in January or at the end of the season.
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