Raphael Varane player Review
Pros
1. Pace
For a center-back, Varane's speed is impressive. His quickness helps him recover swiftly when caught out of position, especially during counter-attacks. This pace also allows him to chase down pacy attackers and quickly close gaps, making him a reliable defender against fast forwards.
2. Marking
Varane’s marking ability is top-notch. He constantly applies pressure to attackers, making it difficult for them to find space or break through defensive lines. His marking ensures that he stays close to his opponent, which disrupts their attacking flow.
3. Tackling
His standing tackles are a standout feature. When timed correctly, Varane rarely misses his tackles, ensuring that he wins the ball cleanly. His consistency in standing tackles makes him a solid presence in defense, preventing opponents from advancing with ease.
4. Awareness
Varane displays great defensive awareness, particularly in the box. He’s sharp and vigilant, making crucial interceptions that prevent goal-scoring opportunities. His positional awareness allows him to read the game well and anticipate threats, providing solid defensive coverage.
5. Jumping & Heading
With his height and strength, Varane excels in aerial duels. His jumping ability allows him to clear balls effectively and score from set-pieces. His heading is another key attribute, making him a threat during corners and free-kicks.
6. Physicality
Varane's physical presence is immense. He’s strong enough to win physical battles against powerful forwards, holding his ground and winning challenges. His strength ensures that attackers struggle to push past him, making him a formidable opponent in one-on-one duels.
7. Passing
While not a playmaker, Varane possesses decent passing skills. He can make accurate short passes to start transitions from the back, helping his team maintain possession and move forward effectively.
Cons
1. Vulnerability to Skill Moves
Despite his defensive prowess, Varane can be vulnerable against top-tier attackers who are adept at skill moves. He can get caught off guard and stunned by tricky dribblers, which can cause issues when facing high-caliber opponents.
2. Work Rate
Varane’s work rate could be improved. While he is effective defensively, there are moments where his intensity in closing down opponents could be higher, particularly when pressing or covering wider spaces.
Conclusion
Varane is one of the best center-backs for his combination of speed, defensive awareness, and strength. His tackling, marking, and ability to win aerial duels make him a solid defender who can handle even the toughest forwards. However, his susceptibility to skillful attackers and slightly inconsistent work rate are areas where he could be better. Overall, Varane is a reliable and dominant presence in defense, excelling in most aspects of the game.
Rating: 9/10