Raphael Varane

[hellsangel1]

Varane's performance yesterday was worldclass, so all the hype he gets is deserved. Only time will tell if he's going to be and stay a worldclass player. smh if you can't acknowledge his outstanding performance. Imagine if it would've been Bartra. This forum would go nuts and the CB-discussion would be over.

I agree, credit needs to be given where it's due although i knew this was a great signing for Madrid from his early performances already. He's quick on his feet and yet is physical and good in the air as well. He's like a quicker version of Pique.

What I like about him and what differentiates him from the other Madrid defenders is that he isn't rash or commits excessive fouls like Ramos, Arbeloa, Pepe and others. We know that Madrid get away with that stuff in La Liga but in the CL they won't get away with it as we saw in the penalty given away by Pepe in last year's CL semifinal and this year Arbeloa got sent off against City as well, there's no way in a close game, those decisions go against Madrid in the league but in the CL against bigger sides,they're not going to get those calls. and this changes the way Madrid defenders play because them being physical is a big part of their defensive identity but Varane seems more of a proper defender who doesn't need to get into shenanigans. However it remains to be seen whether this continues as we know how that club operates with it's win-at-every-cost mentality.

 

[Ode to Django]

Defenders have gone to **** in recent times, glad there's a young man on the horizon.

 

[Corb]

Nice performance by the lad. Very impressive.

 

[Doobs]

I think his most impressive attribute was his level headedness. Completely unfazed going up against some of the best attacking players in the world. He's only going to get better.

Defenders have gone to **** in recent times, glad there's a young man on the horizon.

So true.

 

[Fishdoll]

I was reminded of a young (Lazio era) Alessandro Nesta. He's the last teenaged centerback I remember being so composed and so utterly dominant.

Real are lucky to have this guy, he's very good indeed.

 

[Antimilan]

Faster and more disciplined than Pepe. Lucky for RM to have him.

 

[El Gato]

Haven't seen anyone outpace Messi until last night a 19-20 year old did it. Oh my.

Also, crossing and with both feet..

 

[Mr Hulot]

What a player! I cannot remember when it was the last time that I enjoyed a central defender's performance so much! I hope the best for him. If he works hard he will be good enough to make us hate him later

 

[ivan22]

What a player! I cannot remember when it was the last time that I enjoyed a central defender's performance so much! I hope the best for him. If he works hard he will be good enough to make us hate him later

probably pique vs malaga

but you're right, it's very, very rare that I enjoy watching highlights of a CB.

 

[United4Life]

united should have bought the lad, how nice would a future centerback pairing with varane and smalling be

 

[tariqo]

LoL @ any1 thinks he was that great last night ,,, messi wasn't even trying &pedro missed a clear 1on 1 with lopez & his tackle on cesc was overrated because cesc make it too easy for the defender ,,, if real played against malaga u would see that this player isn't that good at all

 

[Irish_Cules]

LoL @ any1 thinks he was that great last night ,,, messi wasn't even trying &pedro missed a clear 1on 1 with lopez & his tackle on cesc was overrated because cesc make it too easy for the defender ,,, if real played against malaga u would see that this player isn't that good at all

 

[Paganinisrvnge]

Didn't watch the match but watched the highlights and a highlight video of Varane. Sensational performance. It's kind of funny that people were saying it would be a goalfest because of Real Madrid's makeshift backline and worries over the Barcelona backline with both Alba and Alves. From what the highlights I saw; both teams defenses rose to the occasion.

If both teams can defend as well as yesterday in the Champions League; then they will both go very far.

 

[Corb]

Real press is exagerating this thing too much. Ok, the lad did a great job but they are focusing on him too much. I think he is too young yet and maybe all this pressure on him may be not good.

 

[Fourteen]

Future lineup for Real may be like this

Casillas
Ramos....Pepe....Varane....Marcelo
Alonso...Khedira
Callejon/Di maria....Benzema....Ronaldo

Isn't that their line-up now?