So, how about that Varane + Martinez partnership?

[TsuWave]

Pretty good huh?

Martinez going tight, Varane sweeping and organising

The way Varane led and ensured everyone stayed switched on - have not seen this since Rio/Vida days from any of our CB's.

Oh, and not excuses about them needing a sweeping keeper or whatever to play well.

Just got to hope Varane stays fit. We might need to handle him like Spurs used to do Ledley King

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[Red-Man-Walking]

Hopefully Varane can stay fit, I reckon this is our first choice pairing going forward

 

[AFC NimbleThumb]

With Casemiro shielding the Martinez assaults that’s a top partnership potentially. Martinez on the ball is

 

[DWelbz19]

Varane really showed up tonight. Think he was putting on a show for Casemiro who he’s been texting daily to come through

 

[Eyepopper]

It was nice to have a partnership where the "senior" player didn't lose control of his bowls several times when the ball came within 10 feet of him, I must admit.

 

[Massive Spanner]

That was the Varane we thought we bought last year. We really need him to stay fit. It’s actually mad that we’ve bought so many defenders the last few years and our third/fourth choices are such a massive drop off in quality.

 

[Dr. Dwayne]

Fire and Ice

 

[Someone]

Should be the default partnership going forward. Both have been brilliant in every aspect of the game.

 

[Ekeke]

Looks good and Casemiro will help. Varane looks a bit awkward with the ball at times like he cant choose which foot to kick the ball with but other than that it looks good

 

[IrishRedDevil]

No fridge head, I’m in.

 

[Deery]

Martinez is like a Rottweiler so bloody good.

 

[Lyng]

Fantastic. As expected they where excellent. Thats what happens when you have quality players with real spirit and fire.

 

[ayushreddevil9]

They were just excited that Maguire ain't playing. The bench was grim on the contrast.

 

[Andycoleno9]

Looking absolutely great. We all knew that this will be our first pair. Top quality.
That was joy to watch

 

[Superunknown]

That's centre back sorted, imo. With those 2, we have everything we need. Completely agree that the major issue will be keeping Varane fit. That'll be down to the coaching staff and ensuring that we don't take the piss in training with him.

 

[Reiver]

First run out and they looked good. Can't see Maguire being first choice now.

 

[Irrational.]

First choice pairing moving forward.

 

[Escobar]

Best we've seen in a long time

 

[Crashoutcassius]

I think it was an easier game to play Vs sitting deeper. They are prob our best partnership for the small number of games varane will be fit though. You wonder since we aren't winning the league is varane could be extensively rested in the second half of the season to try help with a cup run

 

[AndySmith1990]

Martinez and Varane with Casemiro covering. Tasty

 

[charlenefan]

Easily our best CB pairing but won't be long before Varane's injured

Mental that it feels like we still need another CB (though clearly Maguire/Lindelof/Bailly all need to be sold as well)

 

[DanielofLeyland]

It shows the respect they obviously have for Maguire that they don't try and organise like this when he is on the field because there is the expectation he does it.

We should see Varane and Martinez as our first choice partnership and hopefully convince Maguire to quietly relinquish his role as captain (even if he keeps the armband ceremonially) to aide the team. It will improve his performances because he will be called upon this season when Varane undoubtedly gets injured. If he can't do it for the team then he doesnt deserve to be in the side.

 

[hobbers]

If Varane can stay fit this is out first choice partnership forever

Not just the communication but also the way they covered for each other and kept the ball between themselves.

Unlike Maguire, Shaw and AWB they know how to pass without inviting pressure and giving hospital balls to each other

 

[prateik]

Hope Varane stays fit..
We havent had a good CB partnership in a very long time.. Hope this one works out

 

[Guapa]

Beautiful .

Just got to wrap Varane in cotton wool between games.And we've still got Carlos to start in front of them

 

[Irwin99]

As much as I loved Martinez's performance and had him as my MotM I felt Varane was the glue that held it all together, especially in the first half.

EtH pretty much said it, they're both just quicker than Maguire and against lightning fast Premier League forwards that always helps (obviously). Looking forward to seeing how this develops.

 

[NewGlory]

It is fantastic. And I can only imagine how awesome it will be when Varane's old friend Casemiro plays in front of them.

That said, Varane is very injury-prone so I am afraid we may not see this partnership too often, but when Varane is out, I'd rather see Martinez-Bailly than Maguire or Lindelof playing.

Just my 2c

 

[Rightnr]

Hallelujah, pack Brexit FC in the bin.

 

[Winrar]

Varane just needs to stay fit.

Maguire? He either improves, or plays second fiddle and get out if he doesn't like his new role.

 

[Okey]

They made the manager's selection going forward easy on the evidence of tonight. We haven't looked this solid and organised in a long time. They need to wrap Varane in cotton wool.

 

[Skills]

How do you keep Varane fit?

 

[Eckers99]

Can take time for these partnerships to blossom but they seemed to instantly click. They've got to be our first choice pairing right now.

 

[TsuWave]

Martinez is so good. Will be a fan favourite.

 

[matys]

I loved that high five with Dalot in the first half, after the latter made a successful tackle. Would love to see a clip of it again

 

[Castia]

Let’s pray Varane stays fit

Varane Martinez
Casamiro

Should be brilliant

 

[saik]

Sell Maguire to Chelsea NOW! Everyone will realize he is an oaf and we won't get any decent offers. Replace him with N'Dicka or Lacroix. We will be gold with Varane/Martinez as the starting partnership with some good backup.

 

[Lentwood]

Both great individually, thought that was Varane's best game for us.

That said, the forwards/midfield made life easier for them with their work-rate. That's the bit we cannot lose. Whoever plays at CB, the team ahead of them must match that effort and energy

 

[fergosaurus]

This is the way forward if we want to play progressive football. They compliment each other very well.

 

[A-man]

Thought it looked very good today. Martinez need someone who can defend behind him and Varane someone who can be aggressive, and they completed each other excellently today. However only one game and probably a game that suited both perfectly, plus Varane- can he stay fit… let’s wait and see.

(Also was a bit surprised Liverpool didn’t really press us as they normally to do)

 

[Rhyme Animal]

Fire and Ice

I like it, great nickname for this pairing!