Real Madrid are reeling after a 4-0 loss to Barcelona in El Clasico, reminiscent of their defeat to the Blaugrana in 2022, after which the Merengues went on to win three of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history before claiming both major titles.
Right now, Real Madrid are clearly not in the driver’s seat in La Liga, and after losing 1-0 to Lille a couple of weeks ago, they certainly aren’t invulnerable in the Champions League either.
But better days should be ahead for the Kylian Mbappe-added Real Madrid once Carlo Ancelotti figures his you-know-what out, given they were clearly the best team in European football last season.
There are a few weaknesses in the Real Madrid lineup, and while the center back position will finally be addressed this winter, if you believe the rumor mill, the left back position won’t.
Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia have both underwhelmed at left back again this season, with Mendy putting on another disasterclass against Barcelona that undermines his rather inflated reputation as a top defensive fullback.
Real Madrid haven’t had a great left back since Marcelo declined in around 2019, and what’s funny is that the Brazilian icon is back on the free agent waters after a dispute with his manager at childhood club Fluminense – his second destination after leaving Madrid for Greece’s Olympiacos – led to his official release.
The 36-year-old may not have much to give, but due to his status as a Real Madrid legend and the gaping hole at left back, many Madridistas are throwing around the idea of running it back with the three-peat Champions League hero in 2024.
Real Madrid are better served looking elsewhere, but since Marcelo would be free and around a six-month rental on likely minimal wages as a favor to the club, maybe he could help as a deep rotational piece.
But probably not. Marcelo couldn’t even cut it against lower La Liga teams like Getafe by the time the 2020/21 season rolled around. It’s interesting to kick around the idea of Marcelo to Madrid now that he’s a free agent, but Real really need to get serious about signing someone like Alphonso Davies.
