Leeds United’s Marc Roca has been on loan at Real Betis since the summer window and has enjoyed a good start to the season in Spain.
The Whites signed the midfielder from Bayern Munich in 2022 and made 32 appearances in the Premier League last season.
Speaking to El País, the 27-year-old has stated his two-year spell with the Bavarian club made it easier for him to settle quickly at Leeds.
Roca made this claim when asked about the Premier League’s intensity and how he was able to adapt to the needs of English football.
“Yes, it’s true, there is a lot of difference in the pace because the games there are frenetic. There is a lot of back and forth,” he said.
“But I had just spent two years in Germany, where I became an athlete more than a footballer and that allowed me to be prepared to play so many games at a good level in the Premier League.”
Operating mainly as a defensive midfielder and at times as a centre-back, the Leeds man has managed four goals and two assists from 21 games so far at Real Betis.
The Spaniard then went on to explain about his own style and how he’s enjoying life away from Elland Road.
“Our football is more about possession, where we try to generate superiority with the ball. In England everything is more direct. It is attacked and attacked constantly. My football essence is Latin, but I have known how to adapt to other cultures and have evolved a lot,” Roca explained.
“I feel like I have found a good place, where I feel very comfortable. Betis’ style of play favours me, it is the one I have always practiced.”
“Playing outside of Spain has made me mature a lot as a person and a footballer. I’m a much better player than the one who left Espanyol three years ago. I feel happy and prepared for the challenge of playing for Betis.”
The Leeds owned player’s fine displays so far have convinced the La Liga side to consider retaining him beyond this season.
Roca’s contract at Elland Road runs until 2026 but has already expressed his wish to continue at the Andalusian club and has even asked his agent to find an agreement with Leeds.
