Defenders are one of the most under appreciated and underrated players in football. They are expected to be disciplined and at the same time support the attack. They have to put in tremendous work-rate and always be full on concentration.
Moreover, defenders in the modern game are expected to not only be good at tackles and blocking crosses, they are also expected to be fast paced and good at taking set-pieces.
The role of Fullbacks ( Left and Right Backs) is different from that of centre-backs. Whilst, centre-backs are expected to be more disciplined and good at tackling, fullbacks are supposed to be fast paced, good crossers of the ball, give support in attack and at the same time defend properly and stop dangerous crosses from going into the box.
Marcelo is the joint highest most valuable left back in world football right now. The 30-year-old Brazilian and Real Madrid man is great at attacking.
In fact, he is probably the best attacking left back. He, however, needs to improve on his tackling and needs to be a little more disciplined and learn to stay back with the defence more.
Marcelo has scored two goals and created 50 chances in 25 matches for Real Madrid in the La Liga.
Moreover, he has had a pass accuracy of 84%. He has only been involved in two defensive actions per game.
Marcelo Viera is a player who needs no introduction. The Brazilian full-back has been a vital key in Real Madrid’s European domination in the past five years. Being a Brazilian, Marcelo is very comfortable on the ball as well as possesses some amazing dribbling skills.
The 30-year old Real Madrid left-back gets forward at every available opportunity, having formed a dangerous combination on the left with Cristiano Ronaldo for the past nine years. Marcelo scored 5 goals and provided 7 assists during the 2017/18 season and such a phenomenal output has become a common occurrence for the Brazilian maestro now.
Since joining Los Blancos twelve years ago, the curly-haired magician has scored 33 times in more than 450 appearances for the club. The Brazilian has also been decent on the international scene with 6 goals coming in 58 appearances.
Even with Ronaldo gone, there will be no stopping of Marcelo’s attacking instincts and it remains to be seen if he can replicate his output without the Real Madrid legend.