Manchester United's Raphael Varane has been warned he is 'not at same level' and France should 'pass the baton on'.
The Red Devils confirmed the signing of Varane from Real Madrid on a four-year contract in August after agreeing to pay Real £34million, plus add-ons.
But Varane sustained a groin injury in France's Nations League final win over Spain on Sunday and has now been ruled out for 'a few weeks'.
The United centre-back also started the Nations League semi-final against Belgium, but a prominent French pundit was not impressed with his level of performances.
In a scathing review of Varane's performances, ex-France winger Olivier Rouyer says the defender is where he is 'thanks to Sergio Ramos' and that 'he’s not been at that level for the past two seasons'.
“I’m extremely disappointed by Varane’s performances, whether it be with Real Madrid or the France national team,” Rouyer told L’Equipe TV.
“I’m not saying that he no longer has the level. You can say that [Sergio] Ramos brought a lot to Varane. If he’s where he is, it’s thanks to Ramos.
“I’m criticising him for not strengthening that axis, not helping [Presnel] Kimpembe grow or the young [Jules] Kounde who’s coming.
“I’ve been an admirer of Varane, but I find that he’s not been at that level for the past two seasons. I think it’s time to pass the baton.
“You have to hope that Kimpembe can go up a level, that he’ll return to the top with PSG when he’s sorted his problems out.
“That can maybe help Kounde, Lucas Hernandez and why not [Dayot] Upamecano and [Kurt] Zouma to confirm themselves. Things need to change at one point eventually.”
