Real Madrid: 3 players who improved the most in 2019-2020

2. Raphaël Varane

Raphaël Varane endured a drop in his level of performance for Real Madrid in 2018/19. After winning the World Cup with France in 2018, the center-back seemed to be in what could be termed as World cup hangover. Most of the members of Real Madrid who had represented their countries at the World Cup seemed to be in the same state.

The 2018/19 season wasn’t the best for most of the Real Madrid players. At the end of the season, there were rumors of Varane wanting to leave in search of a challenge as he felt that was the reason for his drop in form. But in the end, manager Zinedine Zidane convinced his compatriot to stay.

And what a decision that has turned out to be for both Madrid and Varnane. The French center-back has returned to top form and been the best defender in the world this season. From the very start of the season, Varane has been near immaculate throughout the season.

The French international has been one of the crucial factors in Real Madrid’s impressive defensive performance. He’s improved in every aspect of his game this season and proved that he’s the future of the Real Madrid defense. He’s played the perfect foil to Sergio Ramos as always and until the break was consistently better than the Captain.

With Ramos suspended for the second leg vs. Manchester City, Varane will be the leader of the backline and the onus will be on him fora defensive masterclass from Madrid.