Marquinhos when we think of great defenders in the world of football, names like Sergio Ramos, Virgil Van Dijk, and Kalidou Koulibaly often come to mind. However, one name that may not always be at the forefront of our thoughts is Marquinhos. The Brazilian center-back for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been a key player for both club and country, but his contributions tend to go unnoticed in comparison to his more well-known counterparts. In this blog post, we will delve into the art of defending as displayed by Marquinhos and analyze his playing style from a tactical perspective.
Marquinhos, whose full name is Marcos Aoás Corrêa, was born on May 14, 1994 in São Paulo, Brazil. He began his football journey at the young age of nine when he joined Corinthians’ youth academy. After two years with the club, he moved to Roma in Italy and continued his development in their youth setup. Marquinhos made his professional debut for Roma in 2012 at the age of 18 and quickly established himself as a first-team regular.
His performances caught the attention of PSG, who signed him in 2013 for a fee of €31.4 million, making him the most expensive defender in French football history at the time. Since then, Marquinhos has become an integral part of PSG’s squad and has won numerous titles, including six Ligue 1 titles, five Coupe de France trophies, and seven Coupe de la Ligue titles.
Defensive Attributes and Tactics
One of the key aspects of Marquinhos’ game is his versatility. While primarily a center-back, he is also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or a right-back when needed. This versatility allows him to adapt to different tactical setups and formations, making him a valuable asset for his coaches.
In terms of defensive attributes, Marquinhos possesses excellent positioning and reading of the game. He is always aware of his surroundings and anticipates potential danger, allowing him to make timely interceptions and clearances. His concentration levels are also top-notch, which is crucial for defenders as one mistake can often lead to conceding a goal.
Marquinhos’ tackling technique is another skill that sets him apart from other defenders. He is not afraid to go into strong challenges and is adept at both sliding tackles and standing tackles. He also has a good sense of timing, which is crucial in making successful tackles without giving away fouls.
Marquinhos comparison to Other Top Defenders – Where Does He Rank?
As mentioned earlier, Marquinhos may not always be considered among the elite defenders in the world. However, when we compare his stats with some of the top defenders in Europe, it becomes evident that he deserves to be in that conversation.
| Player | Games Played | Tackles Per Game | Interceptions Per Game | Aerial Duels Won Per Game |
| Marquinhos | 498 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.8 |
| Sergio Ramos | 653 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 2.0 |
| Virgil Van Dijk | 419 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 2.4 |
| Kalidou Koulibaly | 327 | 1.6 | 1.3 | 2.8 |
These stats, taken from the players’ entire careers, show that Marquinhos is on par with or even better than some of the top defenders in terms of tackles, interceptions, and aerial duels won per game. Even though he may not have as many games played as the others due to his relatively young age, his consistency and impact on the pitch cannot be ignored.
Marquinhos also ranks highly in terms of passing accuracy, with a career average of 89% (as compared to Sergio Ramos’ 87%, Virgil Van Dijk’s 89%, and Kalidou Koulibaly’s 86%). This showcases his ability to not only defend but also contribute to his team’s build-up play and possession.
PSG’s Captaincy and His Influence on Team Spirit
In 2019, at just 25 years old, Marquinhos was named the captain of PSG, taking over the armband from Thiago Silva. This decision was met with some skepticism, as there were more experienced players like Angel Di Maria and Neymar Jr. in the squad. However, Marquinhos has proven himself to be a worthy leader both on and off the pitch.
One of the main reasons for Marquinhos’ success as a captain is his leadership style. He leads by example, always giving his all on the pitch and displaying a strong work ethic. This sets the tone for the rest of the team and motivates them to do the same. He also has excellent communication skills and is known for being able to connect with his teammates on a personal level, creating a positive team spirit.
Marquinhos’ leadership has also been crucial in PSG’s success in recent years. He has led the team to multiple domestic titles and was instrumental in their run to the UEFA Champions League final in 2020. His presence on the pitch is a calming influence, and he is often seen organizing and directing the defense, making sure everyone is in the right position.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Marquinhos may not always be in the spotlight like some of his more famous counterparts, but his contributions to PSG and Brazilian football cannot be ignored. His versatility, defensive skills, and leadership qualities make him an invaluable player for club and country. With many years still ahead of him, it will be exciting to see how Marquinhos continues to develop and cement his place among the top defenders in the world.
