According to reports from Leeds Live, Spanish central midfielder and Leeds United first team player Marc Roca is in contention for his first international call-up to the senior Spanish national team.
The Spanish FA has appointed Luis De La Fuente as the new head coach of the national side, following the resignation of Luis Enrique after a disappointing performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar which saw Spain eliminated in the Round of 16 after a penalty shootout with Morocco.
New boss De La Fuente spoke with Spanish media about his potential midfield selections following the retirement of long-term first teamer Sergio Busquets from international football at the age of 34. De La Fuente listed Roca as a name who may feature in his squad:
‘There is Rodri, who has a stratospheric level, Zubimendi, Marc Roca.”
“We have very good players in all departments and that is why I am calm.”
The new manager is familiar with Marc Roca; he was in charge of the Spain under 21 side which won the U-21 European Championship in 2019 – a team which featured Roca in the middle of the park.
Marc Roca signed for Leeds from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022, and has played in every Premier League game this season. He’s had some strong performances but at times comes across a little too negative with his passing. There clearly is a talented player there, and hopefully he can find that killer instinct that will enable him to open up defences and really make an impact in the Leeds side.
Leeds have bolstered their midfield options with the signing of Weston McKennie from Juventus earlier this week. McKennie is particularly fond of his footballing partnership with fellow USA star Tyler Adams. With the trio at the club, it will be interesting to see how Jesse Marsch sets up his midfield moving forward.
What do you make of Roca potentially lining up for the Spanish national team? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter at @VitalLeeds.