When Real Madrid and Barcelona meet, as they did in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Wednesday night, it is normally the two best players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who grab the headlines.
So, for a 19-year-old centre-back to draw all the plaudits, he must be something special. Raphael Varane did not only demonstrate fantastic defensive ability and athletic prowess in a superb display, he also kept Madrid in the tie with a thundering header.

Pepe and Sergio Ramos may well now be worried about their positions, after a potential new king of the Bernabeu has been announced to the world.

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