It is almost frustrating to see FC Barcelona lacking their finishing touch in front of goal. However, that has exactly been the case this season as La Blaugrana remains one of the most wasteful finishers in Europe. To cope with this, Barcelona have incorporated a new arrival in January to help out.
Vitor Roque, aged 18, arrives from Athletico Paranaense with great expectations. Having scored 21 goals and provided 8 assists in 45 games last year, the Brazilian forward arrives hoping that he can contribute to this Barcelona side as well in 2024.
According to SPORT, however, there are certain things about Roque that must be understood. Two things, in particular, are very defining of what kind of a player the Brazilian forward is, and what exactly he must do in order to be of help this season.
First, it is important to understand that Roque is not the kind of Brazilian star that Barcelona are used to. Unlike the likes of Neymar, Romario, Ronaldinho, and others of a similar play style, Roque does not rely too much on being flamboyant.
While he does possess a great level of skill and flair, it is undoubtedly not as expressive as some of those other names.
Instead, he offers Barcelona a much more direct quality. His verticality, mixed with his lethal finishing and relentless work rate, make him a different kind of Brazilian striker. Similarities to Julian Alvarez and Luis Suarez have been drawn by SPORT, with those players being similar profiles to that of Roque.
His ability to be a great link-up player also adds certain benefits. Given that Barcelona possesses a plethora of big names in attack who hope to have the ball at their feet, Roque can also act as a catalyst for them.
However, it is also clear that the player is a signing made for the future. As such, patience with his adaptation and his opportunities will be required. Robert Lewandowski, despite his declining numbers, remains experienced beyond almost all the other Barça players and is expected to retain his starting place.
As such, Roque will need to learn how to work around Lewandowski. Being second fiddle to one of the greatest strikers of this generation can be frustrating at times, but also a learning experience.
Moreover, Roque is not exactly a profile well-fitted to play as a winger. Thus, collaborating properly with his Polish senior will be crucial.
Roque knows that he must find his own place in the team, and with only half a season left. He could be included in the squad to face UD Las Palmas, and Barcelona are eager to test out their newest arrival.
