Raphael Varane's stint as a first-team regular at the heart of the Real Madrid defence began on 6th January against Real Sociedad, after Pepe - who has since been relegated to the substitute bench - received surgical treatment. Varane's explosion onto the scene has meant that Portuguese Pepe has almost been forgotten about, as the youngster has managed to cement a place in the team spanning a total of 100 days. The 19-year-old has won over both José Mourinho and the supporters, who see the Frenchman as a great prospect for the future.
Since the '3 Kings Day' (6th January) Varane - born in Lens - has played seven times in La Liga, four in the Copa del Rey, four in the Champions League and two more for France – which were very special occasions for the young centre-back. Over the 100-day stint at centre-back Varane has produced some dazzling displays. He kept Robin Van Persie quiet over the two-leg Champions League tie against Manchester United. Varane then single-handedly kept 'Los Blancos' in the cup against Barcelona - coming to the rescue on numerous occasions and also getting on the score-sheet in the first leg, before Real went on to win 1-3 at the Camp Nou - the Frenchman again amongst the goal-scorers with a fine header.
The young French star then made his full international debut for France, although his side lost on the night to Spain.
2013 has seen Varane play every game in the Champions League for Real - against United and Galatasaray- and miss just one match - the first leg against Valencia in the Copa del Rey. The promising centre-back is so important to Mourinho's plans for the big occasions that he has been rested in the La Liga games in order to avoid injury. Varane has missed just 6 league outings - a sign of how well the player has come on.
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