Is Marouane Fellaini Champions League standard?

While he’s been occupying the limelight at Old Trafford in recent weeks – and this time for commendation as opposed to cruel criticism – Marouane Fellaini’s praiseworthy performances have only been exhibited within the English setup after Manchester United bowed out of Europe last season. With the UEFA Champions League a different ball game (as our top-half-table rivals found out), the question remains as to whether our midfield maestro would be up to scratch against the likes of Real Madrid.

The obvious answer would be no, after all, how does the 27-year-old compare to James Rodriguez? Additionally, you couldn’t see our number 31 breaking onto the bench of a Barcelona or Bayern side. For now, he’s cutting it in the top flight and his importance in getting us to where we want to be cannot be undermined but could slip down the ranks should the summer window prove fruitful for the Red Devils. An unrivalled physique at present is partly what I believe makes the Belgian almost impossible to keep from the starting XI although the possible hinted arrival of Paul Pogba at the club could put the man in questions nose out of joint.

Fellaini’s first taste of that iconic opening theme came during the 2013/14 term and I have to say, I’ve seen worse! The most likely outcome would see him warm the bench as an understudy, perhaps kept aside for Premier League fixtures when the preferred mainstays require rest for the Europe affairs which can’t be argued with as the Reds faithful already write him off as a contender for this competition in particular. Maybe this if fuelled by existing bad blood between himself and the fans who will struggle to forget Fellaini’s introduction to life in Manchester.

Thankfully, his flourishing under our current manager – whom he is seemingly a firm favourite of – has seen him challenge for the jersey and a little healthy competition for this can only prove positive. It may only be a matter of time, on the other hand, until the towering 6 foot 4 man departs as we look to aspire once more to the previously mentioned giants’ standards. Still, give him a chance at least I say.