Gareth Bale has branded his Real Madrid teammate Raphael Varane "an incredible player".

Varane returned from a knee injury in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, which saw Los Blancos advance into the final with a 5-0 aggregate victory.

"Varane is an incredible player and played very well," Bale told the club's official website.

"It is great to have him back to help us to be stronger for what remains of the season."

Varane, 20, is widely regarded as the best young centre-back in European football and is expected to form part of the France back four at the World Cup this summer.