France will on Sunday tackle Argentina to retain the World Cup they last won four years ago in Russia with Manchester United defender Rafael Varane eager to help Les Bleus to achieve the audacious feat at the expense of defensive partner at Old Trafford Lisandro Martinez.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has described his former team-mate at Santiago Bernabeu Varane as the ‘complete package’ as the Red Devils strong man is set to play in another World Cup final after just four years.

Varane has starred in France’s World Cup campaign in Qatar, helping Didier Deschamps’ side reach back-to-back finals as they bid to become the first team in 60 years to retain the title.

France have only conceded two goals in three knockout games, with Varane and his several of his team-mates now one win away from getting their hands on a second World Cup trophy.

Toni Kroos has described former team-mate Varane as a ‘complete package’

Kroos is not surprised by Varane’s impressive World Cup displays and has outlined what makes his former Real Madrid colleague the ‘complete package’.

Varane played 360 games for Madrid and won four Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles before leaving the Bernabeu to join Manchester United in the summer of 2021.

Speaking to Real Total when asked what makes Varane such a great defender, Kroos said: ‘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 was beginning to establish an impressive centre-back partnership with Lisandro Martinez before the Premier League paused for the World Cup.

Martinez, who joined United from Ajax last summer, could also feature in the World Cup final as Argentina look to win the tournament for a third time.

When Varane and Martinez leave Qatar, they will return to a Manchester United team sitting fifth in the Premier League, three points outside the Champions League places and 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Advertisement

Erik ten Hag’s side return to competitive action on December 21 with a League Cup clash against Championship leaders Burnley, before resuming their Premier League campaign on December 27 against Nottingham Forest.