Marc Roca: Leeds new boy still considered ‘really good’ by Bayern chief, who explains why he was sacrificed

Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca has been described as a ‘really good player’ by the sporting director of the club who sold him to them this summer, Bayern Munich.

Roca was one of a number of signings Leeds brought in over the past few months to prepare for Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge. Along with fellow midfielder Tyler Adams, he is helping to fill the void that Kalvin Phillips left.

So far since his move, Roca has started all six Premier League matches Leeds have taken part in to date. Although he has only completed a full 90 minutes once, he is establishing himself as an important player for Marsch.

Indeed, his role with Leeds is looking like it will be bigger than the one he occupied with Bayern Munich. Across two seasons in Germany, he only managed to start 10 times in all competitions.

Despite that, he still has admirers in Munich. Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has now explained why they let go of the Spain international – before affirming exactly how good a player Leeds have got for themselves.

“Our income was down €120million [£104million] because of an empty Allianz Arena, and you can’t spend money you don’t have; we won’t take such risks,” he told The Times.

“We tried to get in players who didn’t pose a financial risk but made it possible to generate sales afterwards that allowed us to get some top players in.

“A player like Marc Roca might not have quite made it but he’s nevertheless a really good player, an interesting player, who’s a starter for Leeds United [now].”

Marc Roca better off at Leeds

Roca has four seasons of contract ahead of him at Elland Road. Over that time, the 25-year-old will be hoping to maintain a regular role.

Bayern Munich, meanwhile, have been able to move on without Roca, as might have been expected for a barely used player. Thanks to a range of sales, including Roca’s for €12million (around £10million), they have been able to reinvest.

The likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Noussair Mazraoui, Sadio Mane, Matthijs de Ligt and Mathys Tel were able to join Bayern in turn.

Although Bayern Munich are obviously a more powerful club than Leeds, Roca made the right decision to move this summer.

The gametime he is already getting is justifying his decision. For a player at the age of 25, who should be preparing for his prime years, that will be particularly important.

He might not get as many medals as he would have done as a Bayern Munich player. But the rhythm of playing regularly will be beneficial to the Spaniard.

It is still at an early stage in his Leeds career. But this is already looking like a deal that will have suited all parties.

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