Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane believes that a regular run in the team this season has helped him fulfil his potential.

The Frenchman joined Los Blancos from Lens in 2011 and initially struggled to make the breakthrough at the Bernabeu.

Varane is still behind Pepe and Sergio Ramos in the pecking order at Real Madrid, but injuries to both during the season have seen Varane make 34 appearances this term.

"I feel progress this season, including going through difficult times. This is where we learn the most," he told La Voix du Nord.

"I turned a corner mentally. I can progress in a lot of areas, but what I would like is to impose my mark in the team. It's a goal that I try to move forward. When you are at Real, it's a challenge every day. I'm like that, I need these high goals to keep moving forward."

The 21-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League.