Julian Nagelsmann has done a fine job at Bayern Munich in terms of rotating players in the defense. However, the German coach has not been keen on changing things in the center of the park whenever Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka are available for selection.
Nagelsmann’s insistence to stick with one particular midfield combination has made sure that other midfielders have got limited playing time. In the final couple of months of 2021, he had no choice but to give opportunities to other midfielders since Kimmich and Goretzka were out for weeks due to injuries and COVID.
Marc Roca also finally got starts in the Bundesliga this season in the last week before the Christmas break. The Spaniard started two consecutive games in the league as Rekordmeister ended the year with emphatic wins against VfB Stuttgart and Wolfsburg.
The two starts in the Bundesliga have surely altered Roca’s immediate future in Bavaria. According to TZ (via OneFootball), Roca has turned down a move to Barcelona in the winter transfer window to stay at Bayern. The opportunities before the Christmas break have convinced Roca and Rekordmeister to continue together at least until the end of the season. The Spaniard was destined to get a move in January.
In the two games, Marc Roca showed all his good qualities on and off the ball. The Spaniard operated as number six and allowed Jamal Musiala to venture ahead as a number eight. Roca tidied things through good interceptions and tackles when the opposition was trying to break into counter-attacks.
For Die Roten, Roca can be the ideal understudy for Kimmich. Goretzka and Corentin Tolisso can also operate as holding midfielders, but they are able to show their best when given the license to make deep runs into the box. Since Rekordmeister is looking to thrive in all competitions, it is necessary to have proper depth and quality in the number six position.
Along with playing a role in the long-term plans of the club, Roca will have a crucial responsibility in the second half of the season. Kimmich is still recovering from COVID, so Roca will have to play a lot more games in Ruckrunde. When you consider all these factors, it does make sense for Marc Roca to stick around in Bavaria and keep pushing for an extended run in the team.
Meanwhile, Mickael Cuisance looks likely to be the midfield departure at Die Roten during the winter transfer window. The French midfielder has got very minimal chances during Hinrunde, so a transfer (permanent or temporary) should be the best outcome for all parties.