Spanish media blast Leeds United loanee Marc Roca after Real Betis display in 3-2 loss v Rangers

Leeds United loanee Marc Roca played the full 90 minutes as Real Betis suffered a damaging 3-2 loss to Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday 14 December.

The Spaniard featured in an unfamiliar role at centre-back for Manuel Pellegrini's side as they suffered their first home defeat of the campaign to the Scottish giants and bowed out of the Europa League after a thrilling game at the Benito Villamarín Stadium.

Roca has enjoyed his loan spell at Betis this season, becoming a key and crucial figure under Pellegrini, scoring three goals and registering one assist with talk of a permanent move in January ([Mucho Deporte, 25 October].

However, it was a night to forget for the midfielder as Real Betis lost to a late defeat against Rangers on Thursday (14 December) and Spanish news outlet El Desmarsque (14 December) shared their reaction to Roca's display:

"It was his most uncomfortable game as a center back since he relocated to that position in Europe. He suffered from the beginning. He had a hard time measuring the crossings and measuring the when and how. 4/10"

Not his fault

It is becoming increasingly obvious that Roca isn’t a bad player, but rather isn’t particularly well equipped to flourish in the Premier League as he continues to go from strength to strength not only in La Liga but also in European football.

The former Bayern Munich has shown that when a player moves onto a much more comfortable and settled environment, he can flourish and that's what the Leeds United loanee has proven this season.

Roca has been brilliant in his time in Spain so far this season but last night was certainly a night to forget for him.

However, Pellegrini's decision to play him at centre-back proved incredibly costly as he was guilty of some comical defending especially for Cyriel Dessers' goal as the Nigerian striker turned him inside out for Rangers' second goal.

Roca is not a defender and it is baffling considering his best work at the club as come at the heart of midfield so his unfortunate rating and assessment from the Spanish media is of no fault of his.

In other Leeds United news, Kevin Phillips was wowed by one Whites star despite the defeat to Sunderland.