Marcelo - Real Madrid

Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, or known only as Marcelo is a Brazilian football player currently playing for the Spanish giant Real Madrid. By many, Marcelo is the successor of Roberto Carlos who played the famous offensive left back position for Madrid and the Brazilian National team for more than a decade.

Marcelo is born on May 12, 1988 in the poor neighborhood in Rio and started playing futsal when he was only 9. When he was 13 the officials of Fluminense saw his talent and transferred him into the youth ranks of their team. Marcelo was quickly becoming their pearl and most popular player and they started comparing him with Roberto Carlos. Those comparisons became more often when Marcelo decided to put a pen to the paper of his dream contract with Real Madrid. In December 2006 Marcelo, who was only 18 moved to Madrid with his family.
Marcelo made his debut for the first team on April 14 2007 in the team that was led by Capello. He adapted quickly to the Spanish style of play thanks to the many Brazilians in the club especially Roberto Carlos. Months later Marcelo became a Spanish champion with Los Merengues.

His big progress in Madrid was seen by Brazilian national team manager Dunga who picked Marcelo as successor of the retiring legend Roberto Carlos. He made a great performance for his national team scoring one fantastic goal.
After winning La Liga in the 2007 summer transfer period Roberto Carlos left Real Madrid and signed for Fenerbahce. That move created an empty spot on the left back position in Real Madrid. At the same time Cappelo left Madrid and Bernd Schuster was hired as a head coach. This allowed Marcelo more playing time as he was better choice for the German coach instead of Heinze. Marcelo’s brilliant performances during the season of 2007-2008 guaranteed him a first team place in the league and the Champions league. At the end of May 2008 Real Madrid was crowned as champion again.

To set aside his inexperience and sometimes his instant decisions that cost his team a lot (it’s always a kind of problem for defenders), Marcelo is typical offensive left back with steel nerves and determined reactions in the back. His pacey runs upfront that comes along with fine cross, precise passing and also powerful long shot makes him one of the best wingbacks nowadays. He is hard working guy and his modest personality, optimism and confidence are one of his best attributes.

Marcelo started off 2008-09 with success winning Spanish Super cup with Real Madrid in August. Day by day he is becoming better yet. He earns more faith by Schuster and this guarantees bright future for the Brazilian pearl at the Bernabeu. I really hope he will become one of the best defenders in the world one day.

Official Real Madrid page about Marcelo

Marcelo on Wikipedia