When it comes to defending the back four, what will Raphael Varane bring? The former Real Madrid defender is a world champion, with France winning the World Cup and European Cup/Champions League in the same year. Varane’s imposing presence in the back four will make him a fantastic partner for Harry Maguire. Whether Varane can bring the same success to United or not is still to be seen, but there are a few positives to consider.
Raphael Varane is a top-tier, well-respected and feared defender
The Frenchman is often regarded as a No 2 centre-back but he is also an excellent leader of his defence, with a strong relationship with Ramos. While he makes mistakes, he puts them behind him quickly. In addition to his pace, Varane is also an excellent tackler. While Varane has the ability to lead a back line, he also has the qualities to play wide or high up the field.
The Frenchman has recently completed a PS40 million (£43 million) move to Manchester United, a deal that has a deadline of August 31. Varane was a key player in the most successful period in Real’s history, winning 18 major trophies. He scored 17 goals and assisted seven more.
His physicality and acclamation are among the qualities that make him one of the most feared and respected centre-backs in English football. He has played 350 times for Real Madrid, won four Champions Leagues, and was part of the French national team at the 2018 World Cup. He has also been named in the United team’s special edition 2021/22 annual.
The Frenchman’s reputation is high, and he can be considered a premier-league defender in the future. Varane could compete with Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, and Harry Maguire in the defensive department. After all, Manchester United have finished second in the Premier League last season, which was won by Manchester City. The last time the club won the title was in Alex Ferguson’s final season.
He is comfortable with the ball at his feet
A French international who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, Varane began playing at a young age. He began training at the Lens academy when he was nine years old and eventually spent two years at the prestigious Football Training Centre in Lievin. During this time, he quickly rose through the ranks and eventually captained Lens’ first team. Before joining the Premier League, Mourinho had already scouted the player and had appointed French great Zinedine Zidane as his adviser. The pair met Varane in a recent match, which ensured France’s qualification for the Euro U-21 Qualifiers.
The French international is a good ball-carrying defender, with excellent technique and a wide range of passing options. His dribbling and passing ability make him one of the most dangerous players on the pitch, and he can be more adventurous with his passes than many other defenders. Varane plays 2.9 progressive passes per 90 minutes, compared to 4.2 for Jules Kounde. Varane excels when the opposition defenders settle and have no option but to make long raking passes to the flanks. He also puts the correct weight on his short passes.
As a centre back, Varane is considered to be one of the best in the world, and has already been rewarded with a deal with Real Madrid. The former RC Lens youngster made his debut in the senior team in 2011, and is already a proven winner at the highest level. While Varane is no David Beckham, he is very similar to the legendary Ferdinand.
He excels at defending counter-attacks
Dalot is a jack of all trades and a master of none. While he excels in one-on-one defensive duels, he is uncomfortable in midfield and has limited connection with the rest of the team. His tackling is also a weakness, with fewer successful tackles per 90 minutes last season. But, despite this flaw, he is a vital part of Manchester United’s defense.
The first table shows how well United performed against opponents with 60-69% possession. The defenders’ performance was significantly better when United were able to use their possession effectively. As a result, United can effectively use their possession to create chances. This table also breaks down the data by the year when Fernandes first joined Manchester United. While his defensive play isn’t as impressive as the attacking performances, his defenders’ defensive performances indicate that they are able to fend off counter-attacks and save the team from defeat.
His defensive play has been criticised after United lost to West Ham in the Carabao Cup, but he has won five of his previous six matches. The Hammers played a deep defensive block, and the Manchester United players were punished on the counter-attack. The manager’s attacking play remains too dependent on individual players. If Solskjaer is capable of putting in a defensive performance as a captain, he can easily turn his team around.
He is a good partner for Harry Maguire
Varane’s physical attributes are impressive. He can keep up with fast forwards and also play brilliantly as a sweeper. His high level of aerial ability is also excellent, winning 75 per cent of his aerial duels in LaLiga last season. His composure and reading of the game also make him a good defender in wide areas.
The Frenchman is more comfortable playing on the right side of a defensive pairing than the left. However, his physicality and anticipation will help him cover defence. He also has the ability to put out fires. Varane and Maguire will complement each other’s strengths. The pair’s quality on the ball will complement Maguire’s. The pair of Maguire and Varane will make a good pair at Manchester United.
In terms of quality, Varane is the better of the two options. Although Varane has been out of form for much of last season, his consistency is impressive. United can’t afford to sign Kylian Mbappe, but Varane offers the opportunity to play alongside one of the best players in the world. Therefore, Varane is a better choice than Pau Torres.
Varane has the potential to be the next marquee signing for Manchester United. With Harry Maguire likely to leave the club in 2022, they could look to sign another centre-back to complement him. This could rekindle interest in Jules Kounde, who was linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this summer, but Chelsea failed to match the Sevilla valuation and is still the subject of transfer speculation.
He brings a winning mentality to Manchester United
While the Frenchman is enjoying his post-Euro 2020 break, he has already begun training with his new team-mates. He is keen to get up to speed as quickly as possible. Having won four Champions League titles with France, four LaLiga titles, and a World Cup, Varane has plenty of experience to bring to Old Trafford. Despite his age, Varane has a winning mentality.
The defender’s experience in the Champions League and La Liga has made him a top-class defender over the past decade. He won three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies with Real Madrid, while he also won the World Cup with France. Varane’s recent performance has dipped, however, following the retirement of Sergio Ramos. Varane’s impressive record is further supported by his experience playing alongside John Stones at Manchester City.
The Frenchman’s winning mentality is expected to benefit the United team, especially if they are a young side. Varane has won everything, from the World Cup to four Champions League titles. He has an incredible record of success and is a perfect match for Harry Maguire’s young United side. And, as Varane has proven time again, he is the right man for the job.
He is quick with the ball at his feet
One of the key attributes of Varane’s game is his agility, which means he’s capable of making a swerving, two-footed pass from a tight angle. He has good technique when passing the ball, too, which means he can take risks and create opportunities for others. Like Harry Maguire, Varane is a good ball-carrier, but he prefers to make forward runs with his partner.
Varane is quick with the ball at him, which makes him a valuable player for United. His composure on the ball is a real asset, and he commands the confidence of his teammates. The Frenchman has won 19 trophies during his career, including a World Cup and a Champions League. He has also never lost a final in his career. A move to Manchester United would add experience and a winning mentality to their defensive line.
While his attacking game is undoubtedly impressive, Varane is equally impressive in defense. His defensive performance has improved over the past season. Though he’s still inconsistent when it comes to winning aerial duels, Varane makes up for this in his defensive performance. The heatmap below shows Varane’s contribution to the build-up on the right side of the pitch.
