Hello, everyone. In this series, I will share my XI of players that I view as underrated. This list will mainly include players I have seen before, so I won't be picking some random player who played alongside Pele or Maradona. This list will focus on players I have seen or I am very well-versed about along with the case of why they were picked. So, without further ado, let's get into today's player.

Raphaël Varane

When it comes to players who are underrated, often the reason the reason they are underrated is because they're either playing next to a player who is much better or is overrated. Varane falls into this category. Now which category of the aforementioned Sergio Ramos falls into is your own opinion is I am not planning to enter that debate.

Perhaps another reason for Varane being underrated is that his mistakes happened at the worst time they could ever happen. Varane was able to beat prime Lukaku in the air, stop Messi on the ground, win a Classico and a Madrid derby for Real, and protect the goal against top teams. However, his worst times coincided with the team's worst times and thus he was highlighted.

In the fast-paced world of football, where attacking prowess often steals the spotlight, defenders often find themselves overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of goal-scoring exploits. Raphaël Varane, the French center-back, stands as a testament to the underappreciation that defenders often endure. Despite being a linchpin in both Real Madrid's and the French national team's defensive setups, Varane's contributions often go unnoticed. This essay aims to shed light on the underappreciated brilliance of Raphaël Varane, exploring his skill set, accomplishments, and the impact he has had on the teams he represents.

Varane's footballing prowess is grounded in a combination of physical attributes, technical abilities, and tactical intelligence. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Varane possesses an imposing physical presence that makes him a formidable force in aerial duels and a reliable figure in defensive set-pieces. His speed and agility are remarkable, enabling him to recover quickly, track opposing attackers, and intercept threatening passes.

Technically, Varane is an exemplary defender. His ball-playing abilities are often overshadowed by the more flamboyant attacking talents on the pitch, but Varane's calmness in possession, precise passing, and ability to read the game make him an asset in building play from the back. He excels in one-on-one situations, using his well-timed tackles and exceptional positional sense to nullify opposition attacks.

Varane's understanding of the game extends beyond his physical and technical attributes. His tactical intelligence is evident in his ability to position himself effectively, anticipate opposition movements, and make crucial interceptions. Whether playing in a high defensive line or dropping deep to absorb pressure, Varane adapts seamlessly to the tactical demands of his team.

Raphaël Varane's journey to becoming one of the world's top defenders is intricately woven with his success at Real Madrid. Joining the Spanish giants in 2011, Varane quickly rose through the ranks and established himself as a key figure in the team's defense. His partnership with club legend Sergio Ramos became the backbone of Real Madrid's formidable defense during their historic run of three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018.

Varane's individual accolades include being named to the UEFA Squad of the Season, FIFPro World XI, and UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season multiple times. He played an instrumental role in Real Madrid's La Liga triumphs and was a vital part of the team's record-breaking 34-game unbeaten run during the 2019-2020 season.

Varane's success is not confined to the club level; he has also played a crucial role in France's international triumphs. The pinnacle of his international career came in 2018 when he played a pivotal role in France's FIFA World Cup victory. Varane's leadership at the heart of the French defense ensured solidity and resilience, culminating in a 4-2 victory over Croatia in the final. His performances earned him widespread acclaim and reinforced his status as one of the world's premier defenders.

In the realm of football, the contributions of defenders like Raphaël Varane often go unnoticed amidst the goal-scoring exploits of their attacking counterparts. However, Varane's skill set, tactical intelligence, and numerous accomplishments at both the club and international levels make him a standout figure in the footballing world. As we reflect on the unsung heroes of the beautiful game, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of players like Raphaël Varane, whose defensive brilliance shapes the success of their teams.