Reid says the World cup winning defender, signed on a year-long loan deal from AC Milan, has already lifted spirits within the squad after what he accepts has been a difficult period.
With top-quality talent leaving the club in the past year, it has been a welcome change to see someone of Roque's calibre choosing to play for United ahead of others.
"It proves that Leeds is a club still capable of attracting top-class players," said Reid to the Yorkshire Post. "Even though there has been a year or so of difficult times, people still know Leeds have a big name in football. It is not so long ago Leeds were taking on AC Milan in the Champions League and players remember that.
"When I first came to the club I said the players were feeling sorry for themselves and in certain respects I was right. But when you look back at the players who have left, whether I like it or not, it did affect them.
"Conversely, I think the likes of Alan Smith, Mark Viduka, Dominic Matteo and Paul Robinson have all been lifted by Roque Junior coming to the club. I think he is a real quality player and to get him to sign for this club is a big achievement. I don't think they come any bigger than a Brazilian World Cup winner. He will add strength, pace and quality to the defence."
With top-quality talent leaving the club in the past year, it has been a welcome change to see someone of Roque's calibre choosing to play for United ahead of others.
"It proves that Leeds is a club still capable of attracting top-class players," said Reid to the Yorkshire Post. "Even though there has been a year or so of difficult times, people still know Leeds have a big name in football. It is not so long ago Leeds were taking on AC Milan in the Champions League and players remember that.
"When I first came to the club I said the players were feeling sorry for themselves and in certain respects I was right. But when you look back at the players who have left, whether I like it or not, it did affect them.
"Conversely, I think the likes of Alan Smith, Mark Viduka, Dominic Matteo and Paul Robinson have all been lifted by Roque Junior coming to the club. I think he is a real quality player and to get him to sign for this club is a big achievement. I don't think they come any bigger than a Brazilian World Cup winner. He will add strength, pace and quality to the defence."