DBasia.news – Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior, or better known as Marcelo, is one of the best left-backs in the history of Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team. His aggressive-offensive playing style is nearly unmatched.
Recruited from Fluminense when he was 19 years old in 2007, not many people knew Marcelo’s figure, especially when he was compared to his predecessor who had made history in Madrid, Roberto Carlos.
Slow but sure Marcelo secured his place on the left side of the Madrid defense. Despite having weaknesses when helping the team in the defensive phase, Marcelo covered it with strengths while helping attack.
As left wing attackers, Marcelo often go up to help attack, score goals, release long-range kicks or release crosses. Even though he is 32 years old and has been 13 years defending Madrid, there are still a number of challenges he could target.
1. Roberto Carlos record
His compatriots are listed as foreign players (non-Spanish) with the most appearances in Madrid (527 matches). While Marcelo has performed 505 times followed by Karim Benzema there were 501 matches. That number is still realistic to be pursued by Marcelo, who still has a contract until 2022.
2. Compete with Ferland Mendy
This is a tough challenge for Marcelo. Because Ferland Mendy is much younger than Marcelo (only 24 years old) and was recruited in 2019 from Olympique Lyonnais to be the successor of his predecessor. Marcelo must be consistent in playing and away from injury if he wants to snatch his playing ground again.
3. Putting back performance
This season – before the corona virus – Marcelo played 19 times with a record of one goal, while last season three goals from 34 matches. That figure is a decrease if you see five goals from 44 matches in the 2017-18 season. In the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons Marcelo provided 13 and 11 assists.
4. Return to the Brazilian national team squad
Easily trying to convince Tite to be re-selected in the Brazilian national team squad. Marcelo did not even play in the 2019 Copa America when Brazil won in front of their supporters. So if Marcelo could convince Zinedine Zidane to play more often in Madrid then there is a chance for him to return to the national team.
5. Paco Gento Titel record
Real Madrid legend Paco Gento collected 23 trophies when he strengthened the club in mid 1953-1971. Gento is still the player with the most trophies in Madrid, followed by Sergio Ramos, Manolo Sanchis and Marcelo who have won 21 trophies. Marcelo and Ramos still have a great chance of passing it.