Toni Kroos was the one who got away for Manchester United, having famously come close to signing for the club in 2014.
He won’t feel bad about his choice, having gone onto win the Champions League five times.
Part of his and Real Madrid’s success is owed to Raphael Varane, who won four of the trophies alongside him.
As Varane looks to try and win a second World Cup in a row, Kroos has been talking about how highly he rates his former teammate.
Toni Kroos praises Raphael Varane
Kroos says he believes Varane is the complete defender and cites his speed as key to his success.
The German international told Real Total: “He’s incredibly fast. Really one of the fastest team-mates, I would even say.
“There were a few quick ones. He’s really incredible. I never really saw anyone run away from him in our time here.
“He was a solid pillar for us alongside (Sergio) Ramos for many years. He did an outstanding job and is really the complete package.
“He doesn’t do miracles with the ball but is a highly awkward defender to play against.
“You can’t beat him in the air and, as I said, he’s incredibly fast, so you can’t run away from him either. He’s a good man.”
Varane is a key starter for France and will play a key role in Sunday’s final when they take on Argentina.
Once the final is over, attention will quickly turn back to the club season, where he will have a crucial part to play in Manchester United’s season.
Varane missed the final few weeks before the World Cup with injury, which he has now fully recovered from.
Erik ten Hag wants his World Cup stars to get straight back into club action as soon as they are available, and he will no doubt be desperate to get Varane back as quickly as possible.
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