5 Real Madrid players who exceeded expectations under Rafa Benitez

Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez hasn’t had fortune on his side. As he enters the fourth month of his tenure in charge of Los Blancos, the Spaniard has had to deal with multiple injuries to his star-studded side. The likes of Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale and Dani Carvajal have had to endure spells on the sidelines.With games coming thick and fast, Benitez, being the master tactician that he is, decided to switch things up. He didn’t have a choice really. Over the past two months, the former U-19 Real Madrid coach has regularly fielded what some would call a second string side. But one look at the points table and you would have to change your opinion. 24 points from 10 games and sitting on top, Rafa’s men haven’t lost a single game this season in both Spain and Europe. They have been miserly in defence conceding just four goals in those 10 games.We look at the unacclaimed men making it work for the side from the Spanish capital. 

#1 Marcelo

Over the years, Marcelo has been criticized for being too ambitious in attack and ignoring his defensive duties. This season, the left-back looks a far superior version of himself. Having played 10 matches so far in the league, the Brazilian has already got himself on the score sheet twice.

60% of his passes have been executed in the opposition half which shows his attacking instincts. But what is more striking is that the opposition’s attack no longer target Real Madrid’s left flank. In typical Benitez style, the 27-year-old has turned into a miserly defender, rarely letting the wingers give him a runaround.  

The former Fluminense full-back has improved his positioning skills considerably and is rarely caught napping in defence. Going forward, the team heavily depends on Marcelo in unleashing wave after wave of attacks from the left wing. Every time he whips one from the left, you know something is about to transpire in the box.

The only issue facing Benitez is who does he replace when Marcelo is injured or needs some rest in what will be a demanding season for Los Merengues. The full-back is a vital cog in this well drilled Madrid machine.