Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has hailed defender Raphael Varane following his performance against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old centre-back was included in Los Blancos' starting lineup in place of Sergio Ramos, and gave a strong impression of himself in their 3-2 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Why isn't anyone talking about Varane when a week ago people were talking about his depression and frustration?" said Mourinho. "At 19 he was given the responsibility of playing in a match of maximum importance and he did a fantastic job.
"Now no-one is talking about Varane. There is a tendency to talk about those who don't play.
"Every decision that I take is deliberated and you (the media) have your reasons and justifications for your options. It is curious that people always speak about those who don't play and not those who do."
Varane joined Madrid from French club Lens in June 2011 on a six-year contract.
Subhankar Mondal
