Goal.com 50: Marcelo (39)

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The gulf in class between Barcelona and Real Madrid may have remained apparent in the 2010-11 season, but there can be little question that under Jose Mourinho, the Santiago Bernabeu outfit are a force on the up. Their improvement as a unit can be characterised by their individuals and Marcelo, it could be argued, is the perfect example of a player moving up a further gear in an attempt to try and catch the European champions. 

To many a raised eyebrow, the ‘Special One’ reverted the Brazil international back to a defensive role last August after a season spent successfully on the left-wing under Manuel Pellegrini. Few would question the decision now.

"In a poll conducted earlier in July, 70 per cent of Goal.com readers rated Marcelo higher than new Real Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao."

It runs in the blood. The languid build-up of Joga Bonito-styled midfields has often been flanked by full-backs whose endeavour has often taken precedence over their defensive characteristics. The likes of the clasico rivals and Inter’s Maicon are merely carrying the baton handed to them by such luminaries as Carlos Alberto and Cafu.

Like those who came before, Marcelo’s partiality to a marauding run has left many to question his ability at the back and with some justification. The signing brought in during the Ramon Calderon era has often been highlighted as Los Merengues’ weak link by opposition coaches. His performance in Madrid’s 5-0 demolition at the hands of Barcelona, in which the left-back catastrophically played in Xavi for the Catalans’ opener, was proof that the Brazilian is not yet pitch perfect.

Far more often than not in 2010-11, however, Marcelo was right on tune. His forward thinking attitude yielded three goals and four assists in La Liga, as Madrid broke the 100 goal mark with ease but it was amid the frenetic pace of the Champions League in which he shined brightest. The former Fluminese man delivered phenomenal performances against Lyon and Tottenham in the first knockout round and quarter-final stages to stake his claim as being the finest left-sided defender on the planet.

The similarities between the Madrid man and Dani Alves transcend into their incendiary mental approach to the game. To be provocateur-in-chief in a squad possessing the likes of Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo speaks volumes not only of Marcelo’s ability to rile the opposition, but also his relentless desire to win. His well-documented spat with Sergio Busquets in last season’s Champions League semi-final and celebratory fist pump as Peter Crouch was sent off at the Bernabeu offer proof that this is a footballer who relishes a battle.

With that in mind, the arrival of fellow left-back Fabio Coentrao promises to provide a compelling sub-plot to Madrid’s season in 2011-12. 

In a poll conducted earlier in July, 70 per cent of Goal.com readers rated Marcelo more highly than the club’s new signing. The Brazilian’s place in Mourinho’s starting XI next season may remain unclear, what is certain is that he won’t give it up without one hell of a fight.