Real Madrid: 5 players who need to shine in March 2021

CB Raphael Varane

We move to another living legend of French football in Raphael Varane, who helped lead Les Bleus to a World Cup victory in 2018. The serial Champions League winner is headed into the final year of his Real Madrid contract, but you can bank on him putting any ounce of rumor or speculation behind him. Varane is focused on winning and only on winning, like a true Madridista.

The 27-year-old is in the prime of his career and at the peak of his powers, though sometimes it seems like he gets overlooked. Varane needs to receive high praise for his excellence in February alongside Nacho Fernandez, as both stepped up big-time with Sergio Ramos injured.

Ramos should be back in March, but Varane is still necessary to Real’s success in this month. Firstly, Ramos may not return until later in the month, perhaps by the time the Champions League resumes. So that means Varane must be lights-out against top attacking talent like Alexander Isak, Mikel Oyarzabal, Luis Suarez, and Joao Felix in must-win matchups against Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid.

Varane is not a player you want to bet against, though. He is one of the most intelligent central defenders in the modern game and has the speed to cover ground that very few defensive players can. Look for him to be the difference in at least one of Madrid’s massive March matches.