Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane has admitted that he is benefitting from the experience of playing in the Premier League following his move to Old Trafford last summer.
The France international, who is yet to score his first goal in United colours, joined the club in a big-money deal from Spanish giants Real Madrid exactly six months ago, ending United's long-term search for a top-level centre-back.
Although injury troubles have hampered the former Madrid's man progress so far at the club, he has, when fit and available, proven to be the exact sort of figure that United were missing, producing a string of impressive performances in the heart of the defence.
Furthermore, the 28-year-old has soon adapted to the style of English football, in the sense that it is much quicker and played at a higher pace than what it is in Spain.
Admitting that the intensity has a different feel to it, Varane is enjoying Premier League life so far.
"Yes, the intensity is very different," Varane told United's club website. "The pace of the game is a really high level. It's a great experience.
"I like the atmosphere around the stadiums. I like the mentality. It's very intense but always in good spirit and very positive.
"This experience for me is great."
As proven by United's recent 1-1 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor, in which Varane had a goal chalked off for offside by VAR, the Premier League offers no easy contests for anyone, with sides at the bottom capable of beating those riding high at the top.
With that in mind, Varane has admitted that you can ill-afford to lose focus for a split second because of the Premier League's unforgiving nature.
He added: "Yes, the games are very difficult. You can't be relaxed, you can be winning a game and you know if you have ten minutes to play, anything can happen.
"I think it's the best league in the world and the intensity is absolutely amazing. Every team has players with top quality. Tactically, it's a very high level and there are a lot of players and coaches from everywhere.
"So it's a mix about different cultures and different styles of players and of mentality. I think that is why the league is top because it's the best from everywhere, you know."
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