Real Madrid: 5 reasons why Marcelo is struggling this season

#1 It's only natural

Marcelo has won it all in football

Marcelo has been a top-level professional at the highest stage since 2007 when he joined Real Madrid, and he arguably came into his own as a world-class left-back around the 2011/2012 season.

During that time, the Brazilian international has gone on to win almost every available trophy in professional football, hence there must be a drop in the motivation level for him as there is almost nothing left for him to do.

Marcelo has spent the last six to seven years as the best player in the world in his position, and having been at the top for so long, there is nowhere else to go but down (the law of diminishing returns).

A player normally spends an average of between five to seven years (usually between ages 23 to 30) at the very top of their games. They go from progressing as a youngster with a lot of potential to becoming established superstars before their performances start to decline.

This is a trend we have witnessed countless times throughout the history of football and it is one that is likely to continue.

As the saying goes, you can't cheat nature and with Marcelo having been at the top of the game for so long, it is only natural that he begins to witness a decline in his performance level.