Vitor Roque’s Debut Start Falls Short of Brilliance

Vitor Roque, the 18-year-old Brazilian forward, faced challenges in his first start for Barcelona, taking on the role of a false left winger. Despite an energetic start and promising moments, ‘Tigrinho’s’ performance declined over time. The young attacker, known for his role as a complementary forward, struggled to maintain consistency, shifting between a central midfielder and a second striker.

After showcasing brilliance against Alavés in Vitoria and missing the Granada match due to a regrettable expulsion, Vitor Roque earned a surprise start in Vigo. The juvenile talent, signed from Atlético Paranaense, began with enthusiasm and precision but gradually lost momentum. Despite a promising partnership with Pedri and a well-executed dribble and pass that almost led to a goal-scoring opportunity for Lamine, Roque’s involvement diminished as the game progressed.

An unsuccessful attempt to score and a noticeable decline in technical execution marked the later stages of Roque’s performance. A significant missed chance occurred in the 26th minute when a poor touch foiled Pedri’s precise pass, undermining a potentially dangerous play.

While Roque excels in attacking spaces and finishing, his struggles with intricate playmaking and ball control were evident in this outing. The erratic performance of Cancelo on the left flank further limited Roque’s ability to venture into the box. In eight appearances for Barcelona, Vitor Roque has scored two goals in 184 minutes, boasting a positive average of one goal every 92 minutes.

‘Tigrinho’ appears more potent as a impact substitute, showcasing a knack for goal-scoring rather than intricate gameplay. As the Brazilian continues to adapt to the team, his role in the starting lineup remains a work in progress, and it is premature to draw definitive conclusions.

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