The newly-arrived striker is expected to provide Barcelona’s attacking line with more competition.
Vitor Roque has a chance to start ahead of Barcelona’s more experienced forwards, according to Xavi Hernandez.
Robert Lewandowski has come under fire for his inconsistent displays this season. The veteran striker has scored a total of nine goals in 21 appearances across all competitions, failing to live up to expectations at Camp Nou.
The mid-season arrival of Roque provides Barca with a new promising forward. The Brazilian wonderkid starts his La Liga career on the back of an impressive spell at Athletico Paranaense, where he registered 28 goals and 11 assists in his 81 senior appearances for the club.
When asked whether Roque can challenge Lewandowski for a starting spot, Xavi said on Thursday: “It has already happened. I’ve already done it. I cannot treat one footballer differently than another, otherwise the group will not work well.
“If players are on the pitch, it’s because I believe they can help. The example is the last match between the two halves. We’re not talking about anything new here.”
The Barcelona manager added on Roque’s position: “Vitor can adapt to any position in the attack, he can play out wide, as a nine.”
Barcelona will restart their La Liga campaign with a match against Las Palmas on Friday.
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