Only the very best of the best can make a proper name for themselves at a club like FC Barcelona. Beyond just the high demands of the club itself, there are also many players competing for every spot in the lineup. Ultimately, it is not too uncommon to see players temporarily leaving Barcelona to try their luck elsewhere.
Such loan players often try to find their best versions elsewhere before they can take that firm attempt at succeeding with Barcelona again. However, things are always easier said than done, and while Barça have several loan players representing various clubs this season, there is one in La Liga who continues to struggle.
Vitor Roque, the 19-year-old Brazilian forward who currently plays for Real Betis, is that particular player. Despite arriving at the Catalan club with great expectations, he did not get too many opportunities to prove his worth to the team under Xavi Hernandez.
However, he is now getting ample opportunities at Real Betis under the mentorship of Manuel Pellegrini and he is still struggling to find consistency. In 18 matches so far this season across all competitions, he has managed to score on only five occasions.
As highlighted by SPORT, however, Roque will be looking to put his struggles behind him as he approaches a game in La Liga against FC Barcelona. Despite the fact that it is his parent club, Roque will likely be hungry to prove his quality against them, thanks to the fact that there is no fear clause attached to his current loan deal.
Fans of the Seville-based club will be desperate to see their Brazilian forward put his recent woes behind him given the importance of the game. Despite finding some kind of decent form earlier in the season, Roque has since seen his performances dwindle and fail to impress.
Even in his last outing for the club in the Copa Del Ray against Sant Andreu saw the player’s struggles be highlighted even more. Beyond just missing some great chances that came his way rather poorly, the Barcelona loanee even failed to convert a penalty that was given to him.
However, Pellegrini has never lost hope in the player. For the experienced coach, Roque’s time will come and he continues to believe that he has potential:
“We signed Vitor Roque knowing he’s a developing player. He has potential. He’s missed a lot of chances, but if he scored all of them, he probably wouldn’t be playing here. We’re confident he’ll have a bright future. The goals will come, no doubt.”
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Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo with Hansi Flick.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - JULY 10: Xavi Simons of the Netherlands celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final match between Netherlands and England at Football Stadium Dortmund on July 10, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 31: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, interacts with Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona following the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Valladolid CF at Camp Nou on August 31, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.
For now, however, both Betis and Barcelona will be focused on preparing for the game. Hansi Flick’s side will have their own point to prove, and given how they are competing for the league title, La Blaugrana will simply do whatever it takes to ensure victory against their Andalusian opponents.