Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has described Manchester United star Raphael Varane as the ‘complete package’ as his former team-mate prepares to play in a World Cup final.
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Varane has been impressive in France’s World Cup campaign in Qatar, helping Didier Deschamps’ side reach back-to-back finals as they look to become the first team in 60 years to retain the title.
France have only conceded two goals in three knockout matches, with Varane and several of his team-mates now one win away from getting their hands on a second World Cup title.
Kroos is not surprised by Varane’s World Cup performances and has outlined what makes his former Real Madrid colleague the ‘complete package’.
Varane made 360 appearances for Madrid and won four Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles before leaving the Bernabeu to join United in the summer of 2021.
When asked what makes Varane such a great defender, Kroos told Real Total: ‘He’s incredibly fast. Really one of the fastest team-mates, I would even say.
‘There were a few quick ones. He’s really incredible. I never really saw anyone run away from him in our time here. ‘He was a solid pillar for us alongside (Sergio) Ramos for many years. He did an outstanding job and is really the complete package.
‘He doesn’t do miracles with the ball but is a highly awkward defender to play against. You can’t beat him in the air and, as I said, he’s incredibly fast, so you can’t run away from him either. He’s a good man.’
Varane was beginning to establish a superb centre-back partnership with Lisandro Martinez before the Premier League paused for the World Cup.
Martinez, who moved to Old Trafford from Ajax last summer, could also play in the World Cup final as Argentina look to win the tournament for a third time.
When Varane and Martinez leave Qatar, they will return to a United team sitting fifth in the Premier League, three points outside the Champions League places and 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal.
The Red Devils return to competitive action on December 21 with a League Cup game against Championship leaders Burnley, before resuming their Premier League campaign on December 27 against Nottingham Forest.
