Real Madrid star Marcelo picks his favourite team-mate, manager and his toughest rival

What's the story?

Real Madrid superstar Marcelo recently signed a 5-year contract extension and the Brazilian celebrated by engaging in an interesting Q&A session, answering questions like his favourite team-mate, toughest rival and even the best manager he has had so far.

The 29-year-old has been managed by the likes of Ancelotti, Mourinho, and Capello, but asked to name his best manager, Marcelo unhesitatingly replied:

“[Zinedine] Zidane. Without even speaking to him, he understands me — just with a look. Who knows? Maybe it’s because he was a player. It is difficult to unite a team with so many great players in such a short space of time.”

When asked to name his favourite team-mate, Marcelo chose the most obvious one. Cristiano Ronaldo. He, however, also spoke about the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Van Nistelrooy:

“I have played with Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and [Ruud] van Nistelrooy, but you know who the best is: Cristiano [Ronaldo] — he is the most complete.”

Things got interesting when Marcelo was asked to name his most difficult rival. In spite of having played against Messi innumerable number of times, the Brazilian felt that Neymar was his toughest rival.

He added: “And the rival is Neymar.”

In case you didn't know...

One of the best defenders in world football at the moment, Marcelo's views on his favourite team-mate, manager, and rival would certainly have drawn plenty of attention.

The Brazilian full-back has truly played with and against some legendary players and it was interesting to see that the 29-year-old went for his countryman Neymar ahead of Messi as his toughest rival.

The heart of the matter

Real Madrid would have been pleased that they have tied down Marcelo for the foreseeable future and this also gives another dimension to the Ronaldo-Messi debate.

While it is true that Marcelo is Ronaldo's team-mate and his very good friend, the fact that he found Neymar tougher to play against Messi would have certainly caught the eye of many Messi supporters.

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Marcelo is one of the biggest stars of this incredible Real Madrid team.

Author's take

The views of some of the top players in the world are always interesting and Marcelo's views on his favourite team-mate, rival and manager certainly gives an extra dimension to the Ronaldo-Messi debate.