UEFA Champions League 2015 Team of the Tournament
LB Marcelo, Real Madrid
Alex Sandro and Jordi Alba deserve shouts here for their work in this year’s tournament, but I’m going to have to give the spot to Marcelo for his tireless work as one of Real Madrid’s most consistent attacking outlets. Marcelo has also become a defensive strength instead of a liability, and his pace allows him to get back on defense even though he’s always so far up the pitch as a vital member of Real’s attack.
How important is he to Los Blancos on the attacking end? Well, no player listed as a defender by Squawka.com had more key passes than Marcelo, who also had 2.6 dribbles per game, as per WhoScored.com. Marcelo’s ability to create chances down the flank was especially important for Madrid, because they had to deal with injuries and a lack of chances create from the midfield. At some points (such as against Schalke and, later, against Juve in the semifinal), their best chances were crosses from Marcelo to Cristiano Ronaldo. Thus, Marcelo’s skill on the ball and passing in the final third were truly vital.
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