Achraf Hakimi against criticism of Real Madrid team-mate Marcelo | OneFootball

Achraf Hakimi has backed Real Madrid team-mate Marcelo and disagrees with criticism the defender has faced.

The Brazilian has struggled for spells during this season as Los Blancos continue to labour ten points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona.

However, Hakimi, currently on loan away from the Bernabéu at Borussia Dortmund, believes Marcelo should not be slated after his huge success during his twelve years in the Spanish capital.

“I’m never going to criticize Marcelo, not by a long shot and the criticisms towards him seems a little unfair,” he told Marca.

“I don’t believe he deserves them because he is a legend, he’s a legend of Real Madrid.”

The Morrocco international, meanwhile, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Real’s other first-team full-back, Dani Carvajal.

While the Spaniard left Madrid to join Bayer Leverkusen before returning, Hakimi too, is hoping he can impress in the Bundesliga.

“Carvajal is a reference, his career is an example, all that he is doing and achieving,” he added.

“He went away like me and became a man and became a professional player at Bayer Leverkusen. I am trying to become a top footballer like Carvajal and things are going well for the moment.”

So far this season, 20-year-old Hakimi has made 18 appearances for BVB.