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Raphael Varane 'Could Be Premier League's Best Ever Centre-Back' Following Manchester United Move

Raphael Varane 'Could Be Premier League's Best Ever Centre-Back' Following Manchester United Move

Raphael Varane has been backed to become a Premier League great once he officially joins Manchester United.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Raphael Varane could be the best centre-back ever to Premier League once he completes a move to Manchester United, according to former defender Terry Gibson.

On Tuesday, United confirmed they had reached agreement with Real Madrid for the defender and will soon complete the deal pending a medical and final formalities.

The 28-year-old has been a long-time target of United's and comes with a wealth of experience, in addition to an incredible 19 honours in his impressive trophy cabinet.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Former England defender Danny Mills caused a stir this week when he said it may take the Frenchman a bit of time to adjust to life in the Premier League.

Mills claimed Varane had been "used to playing eight-ish tough games a season" in La Liga and can get through games at the back for Real Madrid with a cigar on" before adding it would be a different story in England.

Yet Gibson, who played for Spurs, United and Wimbledon but is an avid La Liga watcher, completely dismissed Mills' views and believes Varane has the capacity to be a Premier League great.

Image: PA
Image: PA

"I've been looking at what Danny said and you look at that direct and physical approach that he's describing in the Premier League - it doesn't exist anymore," Gibson said on talkSPORT.

"The notion that there are only a few tough games in a La Liga season certainly now more than ever doesn't apply any more. It's a much more competitive league - Villarreal finished seventh last season and took care of Arsenal and Manchester United in the Europa League.

"Raphael Varane is a supreme centre-back and could possibly be the best ever centre-back to play in the Premier League.

"He's a sensational footballer, I'm not sure anyone's got the status he has in the Premier League or ever has had in the Premier League regarding honours won."

Pundits who don't tend to watch football other than games on these shores have regularly made the point about just how physical football is in the English top flight, but Gibson thinks it's time to put a halt to that belief.

He added: "I think we should be more respectful of opposing leagues, they are to the Premier League. In Spain they hold it in high regard, they're almost envious of the commercial success and the brand associated with the Premier League.

"They don't denigrate the league, they think it's a competitive league with great teams, great players, great coaches an I think we need to start doing that with other leagues around Europe as well."

United are reportedly paying £34 million (£42m with add-ons coming into play) for Varane, who is set to sign a four-year contract.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Raphael Varane, Real Madrid