Who’s the greatest left back of all time? For most, the argument is between Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos and Italian icon Paolo Maldini. The two approached the position with entirely different styles, greatly complicating the debate. However, the two former players are both in agreement over who’s the best left back on the planet today, and that’s Real Madrid and Brazilian international Marcelo.
According to Maldini, no full back balances attack with defense quite like Marcelo. “The rule is: if you cannot get back, you must not go forward,” said Maldini. “The current best specialist is Marcelo, who gets it right in both areas.”
According to Roberto Carlos, comparisons between himself and his heir are a disservice to Marcelo, who, according to Carlos, “possesses a better technical ability."
While Marcelo has been an integral part of a Real defense that’s delivered four La Liga titles and three Champions League victories since 2007, it’s his quality going forward that makes him such a devastating lynchpin for both club and country.
After receiving a booking in Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador on Thursday, Marcelo was subsequently suspended for his country’s match against Colombia on Tuesday, September 5. Accordingly, Marcelo returned to Spain to train with his Real Madrid teammates ahead of the club’s weekend match against Levante. Here he is in training demonstrating that amazing attacking ability.