Marc Roca was used as a left-sided centre-back on Thursday night as Real Betis secured a crucial 1-0 away win in the Europa League - and Spanish media have delivered a harsh verdict on the Leeds man.

The 26-year-old has impressed since leaving Leeds on loan in the summer, using Victor Orta's decision to clauses in contracts that allowed a loan exit in the event of relegation. He is a regular for Real Betis.

Manuel Pellegrini has taken a likening to Roca. He has started 12 of 13 games, only being rested in the other. On Thursday, it was the second time in his 13 games that he has been used as a centre-back.

Spanish media outlet El Desmarque make it very clear that Roca is not a centre-back and it showed last night, despite Betis securing a 1-0 win in Cyprus. But, that his "excellent" left foot was key, earning 5/10.

"He is not a central defender by trade and it shows. Some defensive problems in behind, better when he played the duels from the front. His great advantage is his excellent left foot for launching the ball."

But the fact that Pellegrini entrusts Roca when there are other options in the middle of the defence to come in, suggests he feels his side needs the Leeds man, if they are going to win. They did, last night.

A clean sheet for Betis as they secured a 1-0 win, as ex-Leicester and Newcastle man Ayoze Perez continued to kickstart his career in Spain, like Roca is doing, with the only goal of the game.