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World Cup Golden Ball: Gary Neville reveals shock France star as player of tournament
FRANCE defender Raphael Varane is Gary Neville’s choice to win the World Cup Golden Ball.
The Golden Ball is the trophy awarded to the best player of the tournament.
Varane has played every minute of the competition so far for France and scored in the quarter-final win over Uruguay.
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And Neville has been seriously impressed with the Real Madrid centre-back.
“At the back, Varane is close for me for being player of the tournament in terms of his performances, absolutely brilliant Varane,” he said on ITV.
Varane is close for me for being player of the tournament in terms of his performances, absolutely brilliant
France play Croatia in the final this afternoon in Moscow (4pm).
Didier Deschamps’ side are favourites heading into the match and Gary Neville agrees with the bookies.
“They look like they’ve got the balance between the killer moments up front but also that midfield; (N’Golo) Kante, (Blaise) Matuidi,” he added.
“Brilliant defensive midfield players and (Paul) Pogba when he breaks from deep positions through like he has been during this tournament, there’s no one better than him in terms of joining (Antoine) Griezmann and (Kylian) Mbappe.
World Cup: French fans celebrate Varane's goal against Uruguay
“I think they will win it, I think they will win it. I think they are the better team.
“Croatia could play 10 games against France and they might win one and that might be tomorrow.
“But I do generally believe that France will win this match.”
Varane has been named in the starting XI for the final against Croatia.