Didier Deschamps: "Varane is unique"

All the talk in the French national side was about Raphael Varane after his excellent debut against Georgia that did nothing but confirm all the expectations that were placed on his shoulders. However, it is likely he will not be used against Spain on Tuesday as Deschamps has been loyal to the pairing of Koscielny-Sakho for four games now, despite neither player being a regular in their club sides.

Raphael Varane

Didier Deschamps analysed the player: "France has had a lot of good centre-halves Tresor, Boli, Blanc, Thuram, Desailly... but Raphael is different, I can't remember anyone like him because he is only 19 years of age. He is an exceptional case, a natural that dominates his position and makes the difficult things look easy. Because of all that he is in the Real Madrid side and now the national team. Defensively he is very clever".

The former French World and European Champion confessed to this reporter on Friday that he has been surprised by Varane's form. "What we are talking about is a player who has replaced Pepe at Real Madrid, who although he has his moments is a great centre-half. His form against Manchester United and Barcelona was amazing. I could not have expected him to reach this level at only 19, he is unique".