Mendy's next challenge

Mendy turns 25 today fully adapted to Real Madrid and with the aspiration to consolidate in the eleven in the final stretch of the season. So far, Zidane has alternated his compatriot and Marcelo on the left side. There is no clear headline, because he has also rotated them in important games. Mendy is the tenth with the most minutes in the squad (1,638 ’, 46% of the total) and Marcelo the eleventh (1,495, 42%).

With the arrival of 2020 it seemed that the relay on the left side could be consolidated. Mendy started in both games of the Spanish Super Cup (in the semifinals against Valencia and in the final against Atlético). There was no rotation. He was also chosen to start at the first leg of the Champions League against City. However, in the Clásico against Barcelona Zidane opted for Marcelo again. Madrid won (2-0) and the Brazilian was chosen again at Villamarín against Betis, although he was injured.

Therefore, the decision that Zidane makes on the left side will be one of the hot potatoes in this comeback. Marcelo is already recovered and will be able to count on him from this very Sunday against Eibar (19:30). The choice you make in that first meeting will be very significant. The idea of Zizou is that both continue to rotate, because it will do so in all positions, although on big days it will be when you see who the owner is.

The harmony between Mendy and Marcelo has been good during the first months of French in Madrid. The behavior of the Brazilian in the Spanish Super Cup was exemplary. Despite being a substitute in both games, he did not put on a bad face and celebrated the title as if he had won it as a starter. He has lost his non-negotiable status and has assumed it naturally, aware that at 32 years of age it is normal for the club to seek replacement.

Mendy's performance in her first year is being good, especially in defense. His performances against demanding extremes have left a very good impression. It is a rock in defense, with physical power and power that make it very difficult to overflow. This final stretch will be decisive for the overall balance of his first year of white after the strong bet (50 million) made by Madrid. At 25, Mendy feels ready to be the undisputed starter …