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2022-23 Performances


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6.7 Season Average Rating
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13
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A-man

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I don’t agree that our defenders handled Jesus well.
They often needed to commit fouls to stop him, and he got several freekicks in dangerous areas. He also came out on top in some duels and I would say he created some chances, like when he did Martinez and passed to Odegaard who somehow managed miss goal. One time when our defenders “dealt” with him it resulted in Saka scoring a goal.

I think Varane dropped one level in quality this game, not that I'm worried at all, but I still think he wasn't playing at his best.
 

Telsim

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Too quiet here. He's done very well again. Him and Martinez are just so good.
 

Poborsky's hair

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Every game like this when he steadily builds a relationship with Martinez is great. Just praying for him to stay fit and he will show his worth..
 

Volumiza

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Enjoyed watching him tonight. So classy. Another solid performance. Need him to stay in one piece, anyone covering for him will be a big step down.
 

lex talionis

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Varane is a colossus of a CB. More Rio than Vidic of course, but better than Rio at his peak even now at this stage of Varane's career.
 

lefty_jakobz

I ❤️ moses
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Every game like this when he steadily builds a relationship with Martinez is great. Just praying for him to stay fit and he will show his worth..
Fingers crossed on the injury front, but im sure ETH said that they put Varane on a different training program to help alleviate future injury issues. Looks like its working.
Such a class player and looking great with LM next to him.
 

Sylar

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Please stay fit during international break
Please stay fit during international break
Please stay fit during international break

Lovely partnership with Martinez so far
 

DWelbz19

Correctly predicted Portugal to win Euro 2016
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Let’s pretend he’s injured now so he can’t play for France in these pointless nation league games.
 

Rolaholic

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1 of the 2 goals was a controversial (non)handball.

His fitness status will make or break us this season, we're so much more solid a unit with him marshaling the defence compared to last season. Really hope he can stay fit for the long haul.

Hardly have any jitters at the back anymore when he and Martinez are back there
 
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lex talionis

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Really? Wow
Yep, but still not at Vidic's level. Vidic was the immovable colossus of our back line (except famously once when Torres got the better of him) and if I'm not mistaken was PL POY of the year twice. But definitely Varane over Rio, though Rio was immense for us and to this day I have him on the all- time PL XI, although I appreciate the shout for VDV that others might make.
 

Widow

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He is. Varane’s CV is damn near unfeckwithable, and I love Rio.

Ridiculous that he’s only 29 as well
Yep, but still not at Vidic's level. Vidic was the immovable colossus of our back line (except famously once when Torres got the better of him) and if I'm not mistaken was PL POY of the year twice. But definitely Varane over Rio, though Rio was immense for us and to this day I have him on the all- time PL XI, although I appreciate the shout for VDV that others might make.

I was lucky to be 21 when Rio joined United and it was the first year owning season ticket. Watching him week in week out live was a pleasure and 20 odd years later I still haven't watched a CB as good.

These matters are always opinion based though and we're all entitled to them.
 

Volumiza

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Regardless of talking over who Varane is / isn’t better than, just be safe in the knowledge that when he’s fit, we have one of the very best in the world there.
 

bond19821982

Last Man Standing champion 2019/20
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When he is fit, he is bloody good. But that's very rare these days
 
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Yep, but still not at Vidic's level. Vidic was the immovable colossus of our back line (except famously once when Torres got the better of him) and if I'm not mistaken was PL POY of the year twice. But definitely Varane over Rio, though Rio was immense for us and to this day I have him on the all- time PL XI, although I appreciate the shout for VDV that others might make.
Rio was a much better player than Vidic man.
 

Giant Midget

Aka - rooney_10119
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Rio was a much better player than Vidic man.
For sure. I feel like those who rate Vidic over Rio view football in the same way as those who pick Lampard / Gerrard over Scholes.

There’s no comparison between them, Rio was streets ahead for me and always will be.
 

Andycoleno9

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My favourite signing since RVP. In top 3 defenders (for me the best) last 6-7 years. And still, some fans here questioned him after one season where whole team was utter shit. And what is more amazing; some fans even thought that it will be a fight between him and Harry for starting place.
 

Andycoleno9

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Yep, but still not at Vidic's level. Vidic was the immovable colossus of our back line (except famously once when Torres got the better of him) and if I'm not mistaken was PL POY of the year twice. But definitely Varane over Rio, though Rio was immense for us and to this day I have him on the all- time PL XI, although I appreciate the shout for VDV that others might make.
Vidic was great and Vida/Rio pair is the best defensive duo in history of PL.
BUT Rio and Varane are one level above him, man. He was 8/10. Rio and Varane are 9/10. Only Maldini is a 10/10. :)
 

Lost bear

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Martinez has been great but Varane has been just as good, they complement each other very well.
Yes, absolutely. A brilliant pairing on which we can build, if only they can both stay fit.
 

lex talionis

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Rio was a much better player than Vidic man.
Rio was arguably better than Vidic, though most would disagree, but no way was he "much better".

Vidic is one of only four players who have been named PL Player of the Year TWICE and one of only three defenders to win it at all. That wasn't down to luck or some kind bias. Vidic at the time was regarded as the better player, certainly by Sir Alex Ferguson, who named Vidic and not Rio as captain.

Rio was silkier on the ball, but Vidic simply was was the better defender. And Vidic was more a real threat on goal than Rio. But let's not split hairs -- they complemented each other fantastically and are without any question the best CB pair the PL has yet to see.
 
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Rio was arguably better than Vidic, though most would disagree, but no way was he "much better".

Vidic is one of only four players who have been named PL Player of the Year TWICE and one of only three defenders to win it at all. That wasn't down to luck or some kind bias. Vidic at the time was regarded as the better player, certainly by Sir Alex Ferguson, who named Vidic and not Rio as captain.

Rio was silkier on the ball, but Vidic simply was was the better defender. And Vidic was more a real threat on goal than Rio. But let's not split hairs -- they complemented each other fantastically and are without any question the best CB pair the PL has yet to see.
We’ve done this multiple times on here, most don’t disagree, most in fact agree.

And Rio was clearly a better defender.

Bruce was also a Fergie captain, as was Gaz Nev, means feck all about who was better.
 

Rossa

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He’s brilliant! That people compare him to Rio speaks volumes about his abilities. He’s calm in possession, relaxed but still aggressive enough when defending and a real colossus in the air. Late in the second half they put a long ball in behind for a 40 yard foot race, but even then he is so calm and in control, and when he puts on the after burners he eats up the ground. So much faster than his gangly style would let you think.

Also, I think he and Martinez compliment each other perfectly and always make themselves availableas a passing outlet. Great to watch, and finally I am relaxed when teams attack.
 

AltiUn

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No mincing words, he's been excellent recently and looks every bit the player I was expecting we signed from Madrid.
 

Sviken

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Varane is a colossus of a CB. More Rio than Vidic of course, but better than Rio at his peak even now at this stage of Varane's career.
You're bonkers if you actually think Varane is Rio's level or that even Vidic was Rio's level. Rio was much better than both of them and I love Vidic. He was world class, but Rio at his peak for me was a top 3 CB in history.
 
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