For the past 14 years, the left back spot in the Real Madrid squad has been ruled by just one player, a certain skillful, playful and inspirational Brazilian, Marcelo Junior.
Marcelo took after Roberto Carlos, a fellow Brazilian and covered the left back spot for Real Madrid for multiple years, but just like Carlos’ reign ended; Marcelo’s appears to be apparently ending as well.
Everyone who has been paying careful attention to Real Madrid knows that Marcelo is Zidane’s favorite despite the coach being cognizant of the defensive problems the Brazilian poses for the team, yet, he allowed Marcelo the opportunity to remain Real Madrid’s first choice left back despite having a more defensive minded left back in Sergio Reguilon and many available in the market.
It is true that what Marcelo lacks in defense, he more than makes up for it in attack. The Brazilian is widely considered the best left back to ever play the game as he is more skillful than most left wingers, crosses the ball well and score goals. Yet, some coaches who had the privilege of coaching Real Madrid preferred to pay more attention to the Brazilian flaws and sort his replacements but not Zidane, at least not in his first stint at the club.
In his first stint at Real Madrid, Zidane didn’t win much of the available trophies every season with Marcelo but he was content with lifting the Uefa Champions League thrice in succession with a league title in one of the seasonal triumphs, all these victories and triumphs came with Marcelo supporting the attack from left back.
This season, something is obvious but still remains odd to me as a fan of Real Madrid who pays strict attention to the team. Zidane, who has always preferred Marcelo and deemed it fit to send Sergio Reguilon(Real Madrid’s left back last season) on loan to Sevilla, putting it straight out that Marcelo is going to reclaim his spot in the team later went ahead to purchase a certain French left back in Ferland Mendy from Olympique Lyon.
Today, Mendy appears to be Zidane’s first choice in that position despite Marcelo available for selection. This only means one thing, Marcelo’s days at the club are numbered and that shouldn’t worry any Marcelo lover like me, we should all bear in mind that nothing lasts forever, however, who else is foreseeing a Marcelo exit come end of season?
A player of Marcelo’s calibre is not fit for the bench at just 31. The Brazilian has still got it inside but why he lost his spot entirely in Zidane’s plan is obvious but yet confusing.
Based on my analysis, I am blaming it on the fact that center back Sergio Ramos who has always been weighted with the task of covering up his position and that of Marcelo is aging and losing his speed hence the need for a more defensive minded left back.
It is true that Ferland Mendy’s inclusion is reaping great benefits as the team has conceived just 11 goals in 20 games he has played in, compared to Marcelo’s 16 in 15 games.
The difference is clear, Real Madrid are more balanced without Marcelo and truly they are missing his offensive contribution but they are no longer willing to take the risk but my confusion is, at just 31, would Marcelo be willing to play second fiddle to Mendy or would he be leaving the team?