RAPHAEL VARANE has been slammed as a ‘shadow of himself’ by Karim Benzema’s former agent.
Real Madrid slumped to fourth in LaLiga after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Valencia on Sunday night.
Raphael Varane made a hash of a clearance to allow Valencia the lead on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Not only did Los Blancos concede THREE penalties to their opponents, they let in a cataclysmic own goal thanks to an error from Varane.
A Maxi Gomez cross was meekly intercepted by the French defender, who managed to balloon the ball up into the air from six yards out.
And his weak clearance dropped back down over the goalline, as Varane and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois flapped helplessly at the ball.
The incident prompted Karim Djaziri, who represented Benzema for 15 years earlier in his career, to critique the centre-back’s performances of late.
He tweeted: “Since the Manchester City match, [Varane] has been a shadow of himself.”
Indeed, the Champions League trip to Etihad Stadium saw Varane hand two golden opportunities on a plate to City attackers as Real lost 2-1.
I’m the one responsible. There are no excuses. After the first goal, we dropped our guard. Everything piled up today.
Zinedine Zidane
The 27-year-old signed for Los Blancos as a teenager and boasts one of the most impressive trophy cabinets in football, including a World Cup, four Champions League crowns and three LaLiga titles.
He has played in all-but one of Madrid’s game in 2020-21, with the Spanish giants enjoying a strong defence of their league title until Sunday’s loss.
Defending has been a particular issue in the Champions League and Real have won just once in that competition having conceded seven goals in three games.
But Varane was far from the only man coming in for criticism after the defeat at Estadio Mestalla.
Karim Benzema’s ex-agent gave his take on the defender
The striker’s early goal had given Real Madrid the lead in ValenciaCredit: Reuters
Zinedine Zidane was cut down by Spanish media for ‘suicidal rotations’ following Ferland Mendy and Toni Kroos’ removal from the line-up.
Replacement left-back Marcelo gave away the second penalty as Valencia went 3-1 up, for a clumsy lunge on Gomez.
Benzema had put Madrid a goal up with a deflected finish from range before Lucas Vazquez’s handball conceded the first spot-kick.
Sergio Ramos got in on the act after the hour mark, handballing in the box to allow Carlos Soler his third penalty and an unlikely hat-trick for the midfielder.
Real Madrid boss Zidane insists club legend Ramos will be with club forever
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
