Recruited by FC Barcelona last summer for around thirty million euros, Vitor Roque (18 years old) was supposed to spend an entire season on loan at Athletico Paranaense (his former club), before arriving in Catalonia. But faced with the difficulties encountered by its offensive sector, the Blaugrana club pushed for the young Brazilian to cross the Atlantic earlier than expected.
The Culés won their case and Vitor Roque arrived in Spain at the end of December. Fresh and available despite an administrative problem (Barça had to fight to register him in La Liga), the Auriverde international (1 selection) was not really used very much by Xavi. Of the 7 matches played by Barça since the start of January, Vitor Roque has only played four, for a total of 77 minutes, not even 20 minutes per match.
Xavi says he wants to preserve the Brazilian
Something to surprise more than one person. Last Wednesday, while his team lost in the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey at Athletic, Xavi chose to bring in the young Marc Guiu (18 years old) and not to use his winter recruit. Why did you push to bring in Vitor Roque in January only to end up using him so little? Questioned, the Blaugrana coach explained himself after the defeat in the Basque Country.
“The other day (against Betis), Vitor came on. Against Athletic, Marc came on. We were looking for more direct football. Vitor will have minutes. We have to be careful, as with all young players. He has the qualities to help us. » An answer which has obviously not convinced many people since even the Madrid press is asking the question this Friday. Expected at a press conference this Friday, Xavi will perhaps have other answers to provide.
