Player Analysis: Raphaël Varane

Raphaël Xavier Varane. Elite. World-Class. The 27-year-old centre back has always been regarded as one of the world's best in his position amongst football fans for the best part of a decade. Early on in his career, he was a highly coveted young prospect, who was bought by Real Madrid in June of 2011, just under a year after being promoted to RC Lens senior team.

From a young age, his playing style drew comparisons to fellow Frenchman Laurent Blanc and he idolised Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand. Even having a chance to play alongside his idol a decade ago with Manchester United joining Real Madrid in their pursuit for the Frenchmen only for David Gill and Sir Alex Ferguson to be rejected by the teenager who was “blown away” by Real Madrid intent to sign the player with the Spanish club using Zinedine Zidane reputation to close the deal for the then Lens sensation.

Nine years and a bucketload of trophies including four Champions League and a World Cup later, his contract is dwindling down and with a year left and the aspirations of wanting a new challenge being the major factor in wanting to leave the capital club.

Real Madrid have lost two influential leaders in Sergio Ramos and Varane in the same window, something that nobody would have seen happening ever. Ramos, 35, has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after failing to agree a new contract with Madrid, whilst Varane joins United on a four-year contract after the English club agreed to pay a fee of £34 million plus add-ons. In this piece, I will examine the strengths in Varane’s game, as well as his tendencies on the pitch.