Marcelo joins forces with Zidane

Marcelo he faces the most important stage of the season in great shape. It is not only that Madrid the League and the Champions, the thing is Mendy's absence forces Zidane to have the Brazilian to the left side and it's not disappointing. Despite the doubts that he left at the beginning of the course and that he is not the differential footballer of other times, he has assumed his role and is prepared to help the team.

The system that Zidane is proposing in the last games with three center-backs and two lanes has benefited Marcelo. By playing with the help of a defender at his back, he does not have as much responsibility in recovery and retreat (his great must in recent years) and has more presence in the white attack. Even on some occasions it is appearing from the inside, as an interior more, to help in the exit of the ball.

His presence has grown in recent weeks. The carioca has played in four of the last six games, including the last two as a starter. It is the second time this season that this situation occurs: the first was in October 2020 when it was the game against Cadiz Y Shakhtar Donetsk. It should be noted that the balance of these last six meetings has been very positive, with three wins (Eibar, Barcelona and Cádiz) and one draw (Getafe). Against him Betis, will return to be of the game and will chain his third match as a starter.

Changes to return

Marcelo was the first to realize that if he wanted to enjoy more minutes, he had to make certain changes. He put himself in the hands of a personal trainer with whom he has worked conscientiously to regain his best physical tone. Not only has he lost weight, he has increased in agility and strength.

He has a contract until 2022 and his idea is to help the team until its last match in white. It also has challenges to meet. The closest one, surpass Roberto Carlos as the second foreign player with the most appearances for Madrid. He currently has 523 and is five away from surpassing his compatriot (527). It would only be ahead Karim Benzema (551), although it seems impossible to improve the French brand, counting that he is active and is the undisputed owner.