#4 Marcelo
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Like his Brazilian compatriot, Real Madrid's Marcelo is another who has redefined the role of the full-back. On Saturday evening it is likely that the 29-year-old will cross paths with his friend Alves while surging into Juventus territory, aiming to add to the 20 chances he has already created for his team in the year’s tournament. Only Toni Kroos has created more, but few would argue that it is the left-back who has been Los Blanco’s most influential player on the road to Cardiff.
Marcelo lives for the big games. He assisted in the Clasico this term and was among the goalscorers in Real Madrid’s 3-1 European final win over Atletico three years ago. He has been involved in more wins than any foreign player in Real Madrid’s history and has collected 14 trophies with the Spanish giants, including two Champions League and four La Liga titles. Arguably the best left-back of all time Roberto Carlos thinks he’s the best in his position. One of the game’s best right-backs Cafu agrees. He’s certainly a crucial member of Real Madrid’s squad.
As one journalist reminded Marcelo at Madrid’s media day on Tuesday, it will be his job to stop his national teammate Alves as Zidane’s side look to seal their 12th Champions League trophy. But, equally, on Alves’s mind will be the threat of Marcelo; the most dangerous left-back in world football.
