Starts for Leeds United are no bearing on Marc Roca’s importance to the club or even Spain for that matter. Head coach Javi Gracia drafted his compatriot into a Premier League starting line-up for the first time in his tenure on Saturday.
The 26-year-old replaced Weston McKennie in the side which drew 2-2 with Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend, though he was removed not long after the hour mark with the team 2-1 down. Roca had previously been used in a midfield three by Gracia at Fulham in the cup before he was dropped again at Chelsea.
However, speaking to DAZN, Gracia has made it clear how impressed he is with Roca despite the limited minutes he has thus far seen under the new boss. It should not be forgotten the midfielder had been missing from three matchday squads through injury before that late cameo against Southampton.
