Raphael Varane produced a stellar performance against Barcelona on Wednesday for Real Madrid, and Aitor Karanka feels the defender is destined for big things.
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Varane was immense at the heart of defence for Los Blancos in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg clash with Barca in the absence of regular centre-half pair Sergio Ramos and Pepe.
He was on hand to clear Xavi's goal-bound effort off the line in the first half, and the timing of his tackle on Cesc Fabregas when the Blaugrana star was through on goal was nothing short of immaculate.
Varane capped off the memorable display with the equalising goal that earned Madrid a 1-1 draw, and ensured the Catalans did not leave the capital with the upper hand ahead of the return leg at the Camp Nou.
Real assistant manager Karanka was effusive in his praise of the U21 France international.
"It is not possible to have done better than Rafa did," he said. "He cleared one off the line and scored the equaliser.
"Following his progression has been phenomenal because he also had his head in the right place. With the team we have started with, everyone has done very well and we are happy with the match."
Varane then expressed his delight at what he described as an unforgettable experience.
"It is a match I will always remember. It is a dream at 19 years of age," he told AS.
"I am happy with my performance and that of the team. Now we need to continue like this.
"Mourinho told me to give everything that I had and at the end my team-mates congratulated me. It is not the best result, but it leaves the tie open."
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