Raphael Varane
Young Real Madrid centre back Rapahael Varane, the third and final nominee, is another member of the France squad who can be proud of his performances at the tournament – but the former Lens man may harbour some regrets over the Germany defeat after he was the man who was outmuscled by Mats Hummels for the only goal of the game.
Gifted with exceptional pace, balance and reading of the game, Varane is emerging as one of the planet’s finest young defenders, but he is not yet the complete package – with both of these facets of the Frenchman’s game being in evidence at the World Cup.
Largely, however, his performances on the biggest stage followed on from his masterful display in the 2014 Champions League final, with the World Cup largely having enhanced the reputation of an already exciting player, but perhaps not quite enough to take home the award.