It’s hard to believe Raphael Varane is only 19
When Real Madrid stepped out onto the Old Trafford turf against Manchester United on Tuesday night, one player that has endeared himself to football fans across the continent took his place in the Los Blancos starting XI.
Alongside Sergio Ramos in the heart of the defence, Raphael Varane shone brightly to keep Danny Welbeck and Robin van Persie at bay throughout the first half, in which Real were on the back foot. Granted, he was at fault for the Ramos own goal, but the young Frenchman, who signed on the recommendation of Zinedine Zidane, has come on leaps and bounds since signing from Lens in 2011.
Ensuring the experienced Pepe is kept on the sidelines at the expense of the 19-year-old, Varane continues to repay the faith shown in him by manager Jose Mourinho. Then, you have to remember that the Frenchman is only 19. He wasn’t born when Ryan Giggs, making his 1000th senior competitive appearance on Tuesday, made his United debut.
Varane continuously excels in the heart of the Real defence, churning out performances like that of a player 10 years his senior, similarly to that of Matija Nastastic, the Manchester City defender also the same age as his defensive counterpart.
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