The Real Madrid left-back is set to miss the next couple fixtures due to a calf strain suffered in the match last week against Villarreal. With the Brazilian focusing on getting back into game shape as soon as possible, we will take a look into Marcelo’s importance to Real Madrid and to show how vital “Sunshine” truly is.
Real Madrid’s Marcelo during Spanish league match between RCD Espanyol and Real Madrid in, in Cornellà, on September 18, 2016. (Photo by Miquel Llop/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Attacking Play
Firstly, we look to his offensive persona. Bar the spins, flicks, and tricks, Marcelo’s interplay has improved over the past few seasons. This, in turn, works nicely with Zidane’s preferred possession based system.
Taking notice, the Brazilian was featured prominently by the Frenchman and was called upon to start each match up until the injury. That could be due to the lack of “true” depth at the position, but Marcelo gives Zidane a certain confidence out on the pitch, and presumably its vice-versa.
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If we take a look at the pre-season, and more specifically the first match against PSG, Marcelo scored the only goal for Madrid from the penalty spot. In the second match, I got to see Marcelo’s brilliance first hand.
As he often does, the Brazilian cut in from the left flank, dribbled past a few defenders and took a thunderous strike from his weaker foot, right into the netting…1-0 Real Madrid.
With that being said, Marcelo ended the pre-season as Real Madrid’s top scorer, while also solidifying himself as a pillar in the Spanish capital for the upcoming season.
Defensive Play
The defensive side of his game has improved quite a bit as well in recent seasons. It could be because the Brazilian showed up in better shape than he previously displayed in seasons past, or it could occur due to the type of football introduced to Real Madrid after the Jose Mourinho era. Possession football entails a “pass and stay” type view, instead of the more common pass and run approach. This could play a pivotal role as it allows the players, and more centrally Marcelo, to contain their energy over the course of a full match.
Leadership Role
Marcelo also took on a more leadership role in the absence of the BBC. Not a timid or shy person, Marcelo is charismatic, hardworking and is perceived as a lovable character in the locker room. All you need to do is look at the players’ social media accounts to acknowledge the affection the others have for Marcelo. Marcelo is also the current residing vice-captain, so he gets the armband in case Ramos cannot play.
All in all, Marcelo has found himself in a perfect position. He is the first choice left-back for a reason and is in the best form I have ever seen him in. This season should be a telling tale on how influential Marcelo actually is, with improvements in all phases of the game. The Brazilian has the world at is feet and I look forward to his return.
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