Liverpool opinion: A Varane-Van Dijk centre-back pairing would make Liverpool’s defence incredible

Real Madrid are interested in Sadio Mane, and the Guardian reports that the La Liga giants could include Raphael Varane as part of the deal.

The French defender is seeking a new challenge, according to the report, after spending close to nine seasons with Madrid.

Varane signed as a youngster from Lens in 2011 and has become one of the best defenders in the world.

The 25-year-old has a CV littered with trophies winning four Champions League titles, two La Liga crowns and picked up the World Cup with France in the summer.

Van Dijk leading Liverpool to greatness

The Dutch defender has been incredible for the Liverpool defence this season. The 27-year-old has helped the Reds to the best defensive record in the Premier League as we fight Manchester City for the league title.

Van Dijk has played with several partners this season, and Joe Gomez spent a lot of time alongside the Dutch defender in the first half of the season.

However, the Englishman hasn’t played for the Reds since December due to an injury and is expected to make a return soon.

Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip have had their injury concerns this season too, while the Reds have been a little lucky that their star defender hasn’t missed much action this season.

Varane adding to Liverpool’s steel

The Frenchman is still 25 and has several years of top-level football left in him. The Madrid star is a complete defender and has already picked up several trophies during his career.

The scary part is that Varane has the potential to get even better and playing alongside Van Dijk could make Liverpool’s centre-back pairing the best in the world.

Both are supreme in the air and Van Dijk has leadership qualities that can keep the defence in sync.

Gomez had an incredible start to the season and bringing Varane in would only increase the competition for places in the defence.

We could also see the English defender give Trent Alexander-Arnold a run for his money in the right-back spot.

Liverpool’s defence has gradually improved under the management of Jurgen Klopp. We conceded 42 league goals in his first complete season, 38 in the second and have just conceded 18 from 31 games.

Read more Liverpool news, click here – Latest Liverpool news

That number would be difficult to beat next season but the Reds could give it a try should Varane end up at Anfield.