Barcelona-bound Vitor Roque backed to succeed at club by former star: “One of the best players of his age”

Speaking in an exclusive interview with SPORT, former FC Barcelona defender Aloisio Pires has tipped Vitor Roque to triumph at the club once he joins next year.

Barça secured the signing of Roque from Athletico Paranaense during the summer transfer window, for a fee of €30 million plus €31 million in variables.

However, given the club’s Financial Fair Play issues, it was decided to let him continue in Brazil until 2024, with the idea being to incorporate him into the squad in January.

Roque tipped for success

And Aloisio, who played for Barcelona between 1988 and 1990, has backed the 18-year-old wonderkid to do well with the Blaugrana, calling him a complete player and one of the best in his age group.

“Vitor is a very young guy. He is very strong, he finishes very well, he has a lot of power. Although he is not a tall player he is good in the air, he is very complete. He handles both legs, in one-on-one play he is very good,” said Aloisio, who also had a long stint at FC Porto after leaving Barça.

“He is one of the best players of his age. If Barça have signed him it’s for a reason and I think he’ll be successful, he’s very competitive,” the former Brazil international added.

Best wishes for Raphinha

Apart from Roque, Aloisio also discussed another Brazilian at Barcelona, Raphinha, who is currently out with a thigh injury.

The former defender revealed how his paths had crossed with the 26-year-old very early in the latter’s career and wished him a speedy recovery, saying:

“I met him when he was a kid. He played for a club in Rio Grande do Sul where I was a manager. He was already aiming for something big. I hope he comes back from injury at full strength.”