Marc Roca could be in contention for his first international call-up, after it was revealed that newly-appointed Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has been watching the Leeds United midfielder.
De La Fuente succeeded Luis Enrique as Spain manager last month following Enrique's resignation in the wake of La Roja's disappointing Round of 16 elimination at the hands of Morocco at the 2022 World Cup.
Roca lifted the Under-21 UEFA European Championship in 2019 under De La Fuente, who handed him seven caps in total for Spain's under-21s team.
The Athletic have claimed that a first call-up 'might be on its way' for Roca, while De La Fuente earmarked the 26-year-old as a potential successor to Sergio Busquets.
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Busquets announced his international retirement at the age of 34 after the World Cup in Qatar. The Barcelona midfielder won both the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championships, and finished his Spain career with 143 caps. When asked how he plans to replace Busquets, De La Fuente mentioned Roca as a possible option.
‘There is Rodri, who has a stratospheric level, [Martin] Zubimendi, Marc Roca… We have very good players in all departments and that is why I am calm.’ De La Fuente told El Pais..
Roca has featured in every Premier League game for Leeds since arriving from Bundesliga titans Bayern Munich back in the summer. He won four major trophies, including two Bundesliga titles, during his two seasons in Bavaria, but only played 24 times in all competitions.
Prior to his spell at the Allianz Arena, Roca was an ever-present for La Liga outfit Espanyol, and amassed three goals and six assists in 121 appearances for the club.
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