Fernando Hierro: Raphael Varane is the best defender in the world

Varane interacting with fans before a France training session

Ex-Real Madrid player Fernando Hierro has stated that his old club has a world class defender in Raphael Varane.

The former Spain international, who was a force to reckon with in his playing days, has heaped praise on Varane.

“There is no central defender in the world like Varane,” Hierro told Radio Marca.

“For his age, his understanding of the game is amazing. He has the maturity of somebody who has been playing for 20 years.”

The 45-year-old confessed that Iker Casillas may leave his boyhood club as he does not enjoy being Diego Lopez’s understudy at Real Madrid.

“Anyone who thinks Iker will be happy on the bench is wrong,” Hierro said. “He needs to be loved and the club should declare their faith in him publicly.”

Hierro had a fruitful career at Real Madrid winning five La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.