Xavi explains why Vitor Roque didn't start for Barcelona in win over Mallorca

Xavi Hernandez has insisted Vitor Roque will garner more game time with Barcelona soon after coming off the bench in the 1-0 win over Mallorca.

The Brazilian forward was signed for a reported €40m fee in the summer transfer window, eventually joining Barca in January after completing the 2023 season with Club Athletico Paranaense having scored an impressive 21 goals in all competitions.

Much was expected of the highly-rated Roque upon his arrival in the winter but the forward has rarely featured for his new club. The teenager has made just one start in La Liga for Barca, with the rest of his appearances coming from the bench.

The 19-year-old was widely expected to feature from the first whistle of La Blaugrana's La Liga clash with Mallorca on Friday evening, as manager Xavi was keen to rotate his frontline ahead of a crucial UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg clash with SSC Napoli in midweek.

The manager, however, opted to start academy graduate Marc Guiu alongside Joao Felix and match-winner Lamine Yamal instead. Roque eventually appeared as a substitute in the final half hour, replacing Felix on the left of Barca's frontline.

Speaking to the press after the win, Xavi was keen to praise the forward and insisted he is set for more game time soon.

«Vitor Roque had an excellent 30 minutes. He was excellent in duels and created spaces. He will start getting more playing time.»

Roque will likely be on the bench once again in midweek, with Robert Lewandowski and the injured Raphinha set to return to the Barca starting XI in the UEFA Champions League.

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