Sounds weird but this season Marcelo (Rio de Janeiro, 32 years old) has not been the left back with the most minutes for Real Madrid. And Mendy is to blame. The one from Meulan-en-Yvelines has progressively gone from less to more, adapting to the team's game and becoming the starting left-hander. He sorpasso is a reality and the night of Etihad He confirmed it: the Frenchman played, leaving the Brazilian on the bench.
But not everything is summarized to that August 7. This season Mendy has played 2,403 'among all competitions, against 1,854' for Marcelo. The second captain loses in the comparatives of both the League and the Champions League and only wins in the Cup. In Liga Mendy has played 1,804 ', also scoring a great goal against Granada, while Marcelo has played 1,299 ', having to pass five times by the infirmary: neck injury, muscle strain, trauma, calf injury and adductor injury. A shyly worrisome medical history considering you have 32 years.
Looking at the Champions League, Mendy has played 408 ', while Marcelo, 266'. The difference may not be very large quantitatively speaking, but it is qualitatively so, because the French has played the important thing: the tie against Manchester City, both the pre-pandemic trip and the post-pandemic return. Only Marcelo wins in the Copa del Rey (270 ', for none of Mendy). Last season he began to lose prominence to the detriment of Reguilón, but in the end he ended up playing more than the squad. This year no.
Mendy enters the field replacing Marcelo.
Ángel Martínez (Getty Images)
The Brazilian, yes, throughout the season has been a example of professionalism and knowing how to be. Working in silence to convince Zidane, despite not being the chosen one many times. Not a bad face or reproach; exemplary captain. That attitude makes Zidane think highly of him and reinforce him as a heavyweight in the locker room. His friendship with BouquetsIn addition, it strengthens the bond of the template. He is 32 years old and ends his contract in June 2022 (two seasons remain). This campaign must become important, meet again, earn renewal. He has enough quality to achieve it and the Bernabéu knows it. Must reappearbecause the tightrope trembles.