The Champions League match against him Leipzig made it clear that Atlético has no spare for Thomas. The absence of the Ghanaian was fundamental, with no one to assume the team's ball output or to contain the rival attacks to prevent the midfield from splitting, something that happened in the second German goal. A party that amplified the idea of reinforce the double pivot, since Rodrigo's departure left a huge gap. Llorente, his substitute, has fantastically uncovered up front after the stoppage, but has put that function aside.
Herrera, in charge of replacing Thomas against Leipzig, has not had a good first year. For this, Atlético has marked Marc Roca's name in red. The club is already negotiating with Espanyol to try to get their services and get a substitute for when Thomas is away, as also happened in the Turin debacle in 2019 where Atlético's elimination in the Champions League was also certified. ANDThe deal could close at 15 million plus some soccer player in the operation as long as the exit operation is accelerated. But Marc Roca would not only be a replacement player for Thomas, It is a complement to Ghanaian in the double pivot that would allow to detach from this work Saul and bring you closer to rival area.
The '8' suffers in the engine room and loses one of its great characteristics, the arrival. Saúl's best seasons heading into goal were 2015-16 and 2016-17, with nine goals each when the presence of Augusto, Tiago, Gabi and Thomas himself from behind released him in attack. So many determinants in Champions and unforgettable like the one achieved against Bayern Munich in the 2016 semi-finals. In the middle he has continued to contribute in this work, but his appearances with danger are increasingly rare despite the fact that he is one of the best in the world in that facet. This season he has scored seven goals, his best figure since 2017, but two of them were penalties at the Camp Nou.
In the case of Thomas, you can also stalk to a greater extent the front of the opposite area when you have a complementary player by your side. The Ghanaian has a fantastic shot from long range and sometimes takes excessive risks as the only player on the team with the ability to go down to his own area to receive the ball and break lines trying to find Koke or Saúl ahead. A responsibility that costs Saul much more. Marc Roca himself is a footballer accustomed to having a partner by his side in that aspect, either as a pivot or as the most arriving player between the two midfielders.
Shine with the U21
Marc Roca He is an experienced player despite having only 23 years old. Although last year was not good, like that of a whole Espanyol that finished last, Roca accumulates 103 matches in the First Division and has left his best version with the U21 selection. It was key to obtaining the 2019 Under-21 European Championship escorting Fabián and Dani Ceballos to form the best midfield of the tournament. He started the tournament as a substitute, but ended up being essential with a goal in the semifinal against France included. A Marc Roca that stands out for his good ball handling and the ability to find the best-placed teammate with short passes and long deliveries, as well as having greatly improved positioning and defensive ability.