While his future at Barcelona looks uncertain, Vitor Roque received great support from Robert Lewandowski, the team’s starting striker and one of its biggest stars. Far from leaving the future of his potential successor in the hands of the front office, the Pole voiced his support for the continuity of “Tigrinho.”
Speaking to the press while in preseason with the Blaugrana, Lewy explained how difficult the adaptation to such a big club and a different country can be for a young and foreign player like Roque.
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“Coming to Barça is a big step for anyone, a new culture… and even though Portuguese is similar to Spanish, it’s still a different language. He has to trust himself, work hard,” said the 35-year-old.
Roque was signed by Barcelona last year, and even though his arrival was scheduled for this transfer window, Xavi Hernández and Deco decided to have him on board in January. However, the 19-year-old did not get much playing time last term.
Although the idea was to have an alternative in attack, the Brazilian played only 16 matches (two as a starter). His limited prominence and the club’s financial needs have put his continuity at risk, but Lewandowski believes Roque has what it takes to succeed in Catalonia.
“Summer is always a good time to analyze what one did wrong, what one can do better… He has enough talent, but what happens or can happen evidently depends on him,” Lewandowski added.
