Three last hopes for a Marcelo turnaround at Real Madrid

2. As LWB in a 3-5-2

The 3-5-2 formation is synonymous with Antonio Conte, who used this system in Juventus, Chelsea, and most recently with Inter. All these teams achieved superb domestics success. This is slowly becoming one of the most admired formations in the modern game.

To operate this formation, the team must have pacey fullbacks, who are confident on the ball and are proficient in putting crosses. And these are evidently Marcelo’s biggest qualities.

The 5 players in the midfield ensure that the team enjoys a fair share of possession. This could work wonders for Marcelo, who is outstanding with the ball at his feet. His link-up play with Benzema is simply magnificent.

Apart from numerous advantages of using this formation, there is one downside. This system requires highly fit full-backs, who can run down the flanks for the entirety of the game, and fitness is an issue that Marcelo has suffered for the past 3-4 years. So, putting up this formation when Marcelo comes on as a substitute can also be an option for Ancelotti to consider.