#1 Marcelo
Just like for Gareth Bale, another Real Madrid player who looks rejuvenated is Marcelo. The left-back lost his position in the team towards the end of last season following a string of uninspiring performances. However, he appears back to his best under Zinedine Zidane.
And where best to demonstrate that than in the French manager’s first game of the new season. Marcelo put in a great shift on the left side of defence, occasionally joining the attack.
The Brazilian defender was the one who set up Toni Kroos to score Madrid’s second goal. In truth, Kroos was one of the most impressive Madrid players on the day, but Marcelo just about edged the German midfielder.
Marcelo is often considered to be poor when it comes to defending, but with Madrid down by a man due to Modric’s red card, he stepped up and did what had to be done to protect their lead. This was one of his best displays in the last 12 months.