Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has heaped praise on Manchester United star Raphael Varane after the defender qualified for his second career World Cup final on Wednesday.
He helped France keep their first clean sheet of the tournament as the holders beat Morocco 2-0 in the semi-final to set up a final showdown with Argentina on Sunday. The centre-half could be lining up opposite United defensive partner Lisandro Martinez should the Argentine get the nod to start.
It means one Reds player will return to Carrington a World Cup winner ahead of the season’s restart on December 21 when United face Burnley in the League Cup. Varane’s 18 months at Old Trafford have been littered with injury setbacks and he almost missed the trip to Qatar due to a knee problem.
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However, he recovered in time and has been a vital part of his country’s progression to the final. When he has stayed fit for United, the 29-year-old has been equally superb after becoming a serial winner at previous club Real Madrid.
Former Los Blancos teammate Kroos has delivered high praise to the centre-back, branding him as “the complete package” and unexpectedly detailing how he possesses terrific pace, something not commonly associated with his game.
Speaking to Real Total, the midfielder said: “[Varane is] incredibly fast. Really one of the fastest teammates, I would even say. There were a few quick ones. He’s really incredible. I haven’t seen anyone run away from him in the time here.”
Kroos added: “He was a solid pillar with us alongside [Sergio] Ramos in the really big years. He did an outstanding job and a really complete package. He doesn’t do miracles with the ball up front but is a highly awkward defender to play against. You can’t beat him in the air, as I said, he’s incredibly fast, can’t run away from him either. Good man.”
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