Raphael Varane is the best defender in the world, says Fernando Hierro

Real Madrid and Spain legend Fernando Hierro has claimed Raphael Varane is the best defender in the world.

The young French centre back made a huge impression for Los Blancos last season, playing a key role in the side that went all the way to the final of the Copa del Rey. But injury curtailed his campaign and he has just returned from a five-month lay off.

So impressive was Varane last year that he kept more experienced players such as Pepe out of the team,  something the Portuguese defender didn’t like, prompting an angry war of words with former boss Jose Mourinho.

Speaking to Radio Marca, Hierro said Varane has an incredible understanding of the game for someone of just 20 years in age.

He said: “There is no central defender in the world like Varane. For his age, his understanding of the game is amazing. He has the maturity of somebody who has been playing for 20 years.”

Hierro, who spent 14 years at the Santiago Bernabeu and is still a crowd favourite, also spoke about Iker Casillas and the never-ending debate on who should start in goal for the team.

“Anyone who thinks Iker will be happy on the bench is wrong, He needs to be loved and the club should declare their faith in him publicly,” he stated.