Barcelona take on UD Las Palmas as their first opponents of the new year of 2024. Returning to action after the winter break always feels like a fresh start, but La Blaugrana definitely need one. Barcelona have suffered in the first half of the campaign, but they can still turn things around.
However, their very first step in order to make that dream a reality is winning against Las Palmas. Garcia Pimienta is a determined coach, and will be absolutely driven against Barcelona in particular. For Xavi’s side, this match could both make or break their mentality.
With the official squad list already released, Xavi knows who he can count on. The game requires every player to bring their best versions forward, and now the coach has his cavalry. However, there was just one player whose name was put in with caution.
Vitor Roque, still unregistered at the time that the squad list was released, is someone whose participation was not guaranteed. Fortunately for Barcelona, that is no longer the case. As per official Barcelona sources, Vitor Roque is now officially registered.
Already given the number 19 to wear as he represents the Blaugrana colors, Roque now has his chance. While he is not likely to start against Las Palmas, he most definitely could get some minutes. After all, given the urgency with which he has been registered, it would be a waste not to test his performance.
A daring striker, his workrate and hunger for goals is second to none. Despite the pressure at Barcelona being quite different, he has already proven his qualities with Athletico Paranaense. All he needs to do now, which is still easier said than done, is to bring those qualities to Barça.
During the game, Roque has the option to be deployed both as a striker or as a winger. Xavi, in his latest press conference, even talked about the opportunities he could give the player. Alas, only time will tell what the Barcelona coach has in store for his latest recruit.
