Realmadrid News

Marcelo: Brazil's hidden jewel

Marcelo Vieira Da Silva Júnior, otherwise known as Marcelo, has been defined as an authentic “jewel” of always prolific Brazilian football, a breeding ground of players that has been directly related to Real Madrid over several years. He began playing futsal when he was nine, and by the age of 13 was already a youth team player for Fluminense, the Club he still plays for. Coming from a humble background, Marcelo came close to quitting the Fluminense football school because his parents couldn't afford the bus ride that would take him to Flu's facilities. Thankfully, the Club covered the cost and made sure the youth team jewel of the tricolor team didn't slip through their fingers. Once a fixture on the First Team, it was only a a matter of time before he made the leap to the Brazilian national team-where the ‘3’ position has been left vacant since Roberto Carlos left- followed shortly thereafter by Europe.

Several Clubs were interested in signing Marcelo, but two in particular stand out for their keen interest in young promises of the football world: Olympique Lyonnais -Real Madrid's opponent in the Champions League- and Sevilla. His name has also been linked to two Italian powerhouses, Juventus and Roma. However, when all was said and done, it was Real Madrid who landed the future star. Marcelo, the young pearl of Brazilian football, will join Real Madrid and fellow countrymen Roberto, Ronaldo, Robinho, and Emerson in January.


AN ATTACK-MINDED LEFT BACK

Those close to him assure that Marcelo is a left fullback -although he began playing in the midfield, his coaches moved him back in order to take advantage of his speed along the flank- with extraordinary attacking capability, a trait he shares with Roberto Carlos, the player Marcelo has set as an example in his short but successful football career. Furthermore, despite his youth, he is a very mature player used to dealing with a lot of pressure -this year, his Fluminense team came close to being relegated- and, therefore, we can safely assume that he can handle the responsibility of playing for Real Madrid. By signing Marcelo, Real Madrid have landed one of the top new talents of the international football world with the winter transfer window right around the corner.

In his Brazilian squad debut a matter of weeks ago against Wales, he already gave glimpses of the virtues he possesses as a player. Marcelo opened the scoring with a powerful crossed shot from outside the box, rounding off a perfect game in which he was strong in defence, fast, tecnically sound, and most of all, driven to be a part of the attacking game down the flank, as all the great Brazilian wingers have been. His arrival to the Seleçao coincides with the rejuvenation of the Brazilian national team coached by Dunga. Marcelo is already a permanent fixture.

“I AM SHY, BUT ALL THAT CHANGES ON THE PITCH”

Marcelo describes himself as a “shy guy” and a “good person,” but he claims that all that changes once he is on the field of play. A Ronaldo and Emerson admirer, he said that Robinho has frequently told him great things about Real Madrid. The young Brazilian footballer said the following in an interview published by Spanish sports daily Marca a couple of days ago:

“A good kid”
“I am comfortable playing football, I love having the ball at my feet, and I have fun playing. Those who know me say I'm a good kid, and I consider myself a humble person who works hard to give everything back to his parents. I already bought a car for my father, but it's an average car, neither sporty nor luxurious.”

“I admire Ronaldo and Emerson”
“I like Ronaldinho. He has incredible skills. But I also admire Ronaldo. He's another one of my idols. I admire the strength he had to recover from such a serious injury to return to being the great player he is. I also look up to Emerson. I know he's been criticised in Spain, but he's going to prove valuable to the team.”

“Robinho and I have talked about Madrid”
“Robinho has told me everything I know about Real Madrid. We spoke when we were with the Brazilian squad and he told me what Real Madrid is like. He's a good friend and a great football player. I don't know Roberto Carlos, but I can't wait to meet him. He's still the best left fullback in the world and there's a lot to learn from him.”

“I began by playing futsal”
“I started playing futsal when I was nine. I think it's one of the keys to having good technique. I signed with Fluminense when I was 13 and every coach played me as a midfielder. I am a fast player, so they moved me into defence so I could attack along the wing.”


Report by Santiago Siguero and Carlos Cristóbal
Translation by Matthew Goltz

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 11:04 PM