Real Madrid: Dani Carvajal and Marcelo silenced the critics

Real Madrid was victorious in their season-defining match against Barcelona on the weekend, but there were two players in particular who silenced their critics.

Each competition in football requires something a little different from a team to claim victory. La Liga, which can be explained as a marathon is something that has eluded Real Madrid more than they would care to admit. Now for the first time in a few years, Zinedine Zidane’s men are putting up the fight needed to be victorious week after week.

It was their last game, El Clasico which demonstrated this marathon like mentality that puts them atop the table. Coming up against Barcelona, it was integral that Madrid ended the match with at least a point in hand. Real Madrid though, did one better, or two if you will, with a dominant performance.

When the starting XI was released by Real Madrid via their social networks, fans went into a frenzy. For the most part, Zidane’s selection was easily predicted by the masses. His decision to start Marcelo ahead of Ferland Mendy had many frustrated while the addition of Dani Carvajal left few optimistic.

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Both Marcelo and Carvajal have been on the decline for the better part of this season and the last. Neither has looked like their best self on a consistent basis. You don’t have to look too far to find a poor performance from either one of these players.

In last weeks mid-week fixture against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, the right-back struggled to contain both Gabi Jesus and Raheem Sterling.

Carvajal fouled the latter in the penalty-box giving away a cheap penalty, and City an advantageous two-goal victory at the Bernabeu after the first-leg.

Small mistakes like this and inconsistent form have made fans sick and tired of seeing these two on the pitch, especially Marcelo for whom there is a quality player who could fill the role.

Leading into the weekend’s highlight event stats comparing Marcelo to newcomer Ferland Mendy was shared by networks from around the world. beIN Sports noted in their pre-game show that Real Madrid concedes a goal every 37 minutes when Marcelo is on the pitch but every 52 minutes when Mendy holds his position.

In the case of Dani Carvajal, there is no proper substitute for him. Alvaro Odriozola was sent on loan to Bayern Munich in the January transfer window while Ahcraf Hakimi continues to strengthen his game at Borussia Dortmund.

Against Barcelona, there was no need for any of the aforementioned subs or loanees as both Marcelo and Carvajal had wonderful games in their own right. Both fullbacks led Real Madrid’s stat-line with three key passes each.

Marcelo found the right balance of moving up the pitch to help open passing lanes while linking up with Vincius Jr. wonderfully. The Brazilian chipped in two clearances, one interception and a crucial last man tackle. His fancy footwork was on display with three key passes along with two dribbles.

Carvajal had a great bounce-back game after his disaster against Manchester City. He pocketed his fellow countryman Jordi Alba, and at times it was a bit much as they were shown yellow cards for getting into a shoving match. The caution didn’t stop his tenacity, Dani lead the team in both tackles – four and blocked shots – two. He also picked up the assist on Mariano Diaz’s incredible goal in the closing stages of the match.

Next. Zinedine Zidane's instrumental tactics in El Clasico. dark

The skill and talent are all there for both Marcelo and Carvajal. Any upcoming full-back would be honoured to learn from these two but for now, they must bring their best to every game in order to win the 2019-2020 La Liga campaign and give Real Madrid a fighting chance in the Champions League.

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