I may be reading too much into it, but in both the Spanish and English version of his marca interview, he specifically says he will be coming back "next year." It may not mean much, but his contract runs out in 2022 and the ESPN article on the story says there have been no talks about extending his deal yet. Perhaps next year could be his final year with us. In summer 2020, we will have to make a decision whether to extend or sell because we don't want to lose him for cheap in 2021.
I wish we could sell and move for De Ligt. I can see Zidane has hammered into these guys that they have played poorly and must step up next season but with some of these guys I have just lost faith
Players like to talk from season to season. And to be honest most clubs function on a season to season basis as well. I like his honesty and to set the record straight so that people don't fall for silly rumors (they still will) during the summer. If he has a good season we will probably extend him, especially if Sergio is closer to his retirement. I am a big fan of De Ligt but we can't have every player and our main focus should be improving the attack. Looks like Zizou has made it aware to all these players that they have embarrassed themselves this season and they should take it as a personal mission to get back to their top levels next season.
Not sure about recovering the best Marcelo, but if ZZ can get Varane back to his best, I feel it will be a big boost for us. I am glad he chose to stay.
Real Madrid quality starting CB market looks bare right now besides De Ligt and a few unattainables. We can't afford to lose him but damn I really had high hopes for Varane back in 2014. I really do hope we see him back at his best.
He's the most valuable CB in the world right now, with VVD close behind him. Unfortunately the performances don't show that.
He's almost 30 and nobody heard of him until a few months ago. The Koulibaly hype has transfer bust written all over it.
Almost 30? He will be 28 next month. And he is a great defender for at least 3 years now. Not just for a couple of months like you are suggesting. And I'm not saying that he's better than Varane, but your statements are wrong.
I never comment on players I don't watch. I did watch Napoli and this guy is really good for 3 season now. Much better then Varane ever was. He's a bit old so value for money would not be optimal, but if we find ourselves in a situation where we need a top CB, it's pay up or hope for a Vallejo to be good enough at this point. It's similar to your comment on Hazard. If neeeded just pay up and hope for the the best. I'd pay whatever we get for Varane to get him. Wouldn't think twice.
Varane best defender at a world Cup, a dominant player in CL campaigns, an absolute stud of a character but the player that was watching on TV while Varane was doing all of that "is a much better player". Foh with that prisoner of the moment roast mixed with some grass is greener on the other side stew.
I don't rate Varane that highly. I don't care what he does for his national team. For the club it has been up and down from him. When I watch Koulibaly I see a better player. We'll just have to disagree.
Varane is more accomplished and plays in a much tougher environment. We signed players like Cannavaro that were World class and they had nightmares. Not even gonna go back to a Walter Samuel who fled Madrid overnight. Pepe broke the chain, but people really forget how difficult it is to play this position in Madrid. Almost everybody that joined this club had nightmarerish nights.
🏅🇫🇷⚽ Congratulations to @raphaelvarane, who has received the Legion of Honour of France along with the rest of the French national team for winning the World Cup! 👏https://t.co/iilm7wDRvM— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 5, 2019
One thing that gives me hope with Varane is that he knew he wasn't at his best this season. There are quite a few that wouldn't acknowledge their own faults in a bad season. I hope this summer break recharges him to reach new heights.
[QUOTE="4x4s, post: 37819437,We signed players like Cannavaro that were World class and they had nightmares. .[/QUOTE] They did, but we spoke about this before - Cannavaro was central to getting the team winning both La Ligas. His experience was vital in controlling the backline. Do not get me wrong - Cannavaro wasn't the signing he was supposed to be, but at the same time he was vital - he started every single game - let's give him some credit.
They did, but we spoke about this before - Cannavaro was central to getting the team winning both La Ligas. His experience was vital in controlling the backline. Do not get me wrong - Cannavaro wasn't the signing he was supposed to be, but at the same time he was vital - he started every single game - let's give him some credit.[/QUOTE] Here's an example of one of his performances that were so important.
I wanna see the dog in him come out a bit more. Seems like big personalities like Ramos eat up all the light around them but at some point we want Rafa to be the leader. He has all the attributes and talent and experience. Checks all the boxes now just has to actually do it. This could be his home for the rest of his career if he has a strong season.
This guy was getting a lot of heat last year. He never gets the praise he deserves. He’s been excellent all through this campaign, back to his world class self.
Getting tons of praise - last post in his own thread was back in July. I agree with the original sentiment, I was seeing more negative posts than I thought necessary. They all go through it though, I'm sure most here still love the guy. Great game today.