Marcelo: fundamental for Madrid
The best left-back around at the moment has started the season a little downbeat. The departure of his great friend Cristiano, and the Juventus murmurings seem to have erased his smile. The rumours have been so strong in fact that Marcelo has been forced to appear for the club's official media channels promising his eternal love for Madrid. But, even with this, he has been unable to silence the noise.
Marcelo the attacker
Aside of all this going on in the background, the Brazilian has not started this season at his physical best and his comments after being substituted against Girona demonstrated some unease. The tactical rigor that Lopetegui demands does not seem to marry too well with him, but it is still the reliability of what Marcelo contributes going forward that leaves nobody at the club in any doubt.
What he adds as in terms of shaking things up in the tightest of games is something that no other defender in the world can offer. His adventurousness is so valued by his teammates that he is forgiven certain defensive lapses because they know his ability to generate chances when others are finished. Marcelo is essential for this team and those who control the decisions at the club have to make this very clear to avoid things getting worse. The noise about a move to Juve, and the potential rewards that await, will continue if not.