Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has said he has enjoyed an extended run in the first team this season and it’s helped him finally fulfill his potential.
The 21-year-old has spent much of his time at the club playing understudy to Pepe and Sergio Ramos and reports have suggest that he was growing tired of a lack of first team action.
But injuries to the two established centre backs have seen the Frenchman make 34 appearances this term, something that he says has allowed him to develop as a player.
Speaking to La Voix du Nord, the former Lens man, who was signed by Jose Mourinho on the recommendation of Zinedine Zidane, said: “I feel progress this season, including going through difficult times. This is where we learn the most.”
He added: “I turned a corner mentally. I can progress in a lot of areas, but what I would like is to impose my mark in the team. t’s a goal that I try to move forward. When you are at Real, it’s a challenge every day. I’m like that, I need these high goals to keep moving forward.”
The defender has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, with Chelsea believed to be interested in him having identified him as the long-term successor to John Terry.
