Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Valencia

Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane has been excellent this week. First, he had a dominant performance against Espanyol that included the game’s first goal, which was taken like a world-class striker. Then, he had a solid performance alongside Eder Militao in the win over Brugge, showing some real chemistry with the young Brazil international.

Zinedine Zidane has rested Varane before when he started Militao against Deportivo Alaves after the 2-2 draw with PSG, but it looks like Varane and Sergio Ramos will start against both Valencia and FC Barcelona. After all, Ramos did receive some rest against Club Brugge.

Expect Varane to play and have a monster performance. He is needed against a side that boasts Ferran Torres and Rodrigo Moreno, who are two of the most devastating forwards in La Liga. They can score goals from nothing and in bunches, with Rodrigo looking like an especially dangerous proposition for Real.

Varane will need to be composed and assertive defensively next to Ramos, and any mistake will be punished by Valencia’s uncompromising attack. The France captain has been in great form recently, and he’ll need to continue that next week against two of La Liga’s most talented clubs. But Varane isn’t short on talent either, so he’ll be up to the challenge.