Vincent Kompany is one of the greatest players to ever grace the Premier League.
During his spell at Manchester City, the Bayern Munich boss was a truly outstanding centre-back, proficient at defending inside the box and in wide areas, perfectly timing his challenges and being a leader of their defence.
Kyle Walker claimed Kompany had an “aura” about him that meant the Belgian commanded respect as the Englishman dubbed him as a “leader” as well.
Taking over from Carlos Tevez as City’s captain, the 39-year-old never really looked back as he donned the armband for eight seasons.
Vincent Komany during Arsenal v Manchester City
Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images
Troy Deeney says Vincent Kompany was the ‘definition of a captain’
Troy Deeney played against Vincent Kompany on several instances, which would have been a tall task for any striker in the Premier League at the time.
Deeney lauded Kompany by naming him as the toughest defender he came up against alongside Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk.
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The former Watford goalscorer had his say on the retired centre-half when he was asked by The Fellas podcast about captains: “Has there ever been a captain that you’ve looked at and you’ve been like, that to me is the definition of what a captain should be?”
Troy Deeney instantly named Vincent Kompany, replying: “Vinny Kompany, always at Man City. I thought he was excellent, the way he conducted himself, I know Vinny first-hand now so great to listen and hear.”
Troy Deeney record playing against Vincent Kompany
Even Jamie Vardy has raved about Kompany’s leadership and for fellow professionals to make such claims about him goes to show how exceptional a leader he was.
Former Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko revealed Vincent Kompany’s warrior-like spirit in training as the Ukrainian claimed the veteran would give it his all despite returning from injury, naming him as the “best captain” he has ever played with as well.
Keeping his leadership aside, Troy Deeney has touched on the Uccle-born colossus being a nightmare to play against.
TROY DEENEY RECORD AGAINST VINCENT KOMPANY
APPEARANCES 7
WINS 0
LOSSES 7
DRAWS 0
GOALS SCORED 1
Deeney and his Watford side lost seven games against Kompany and his Manchester City juggernaut as the feared frontman struggled to get the best of the former Anderlecht defender.
The numbers don’t lie, as the Englishman scored one goal against City in these seven outings.
During his time in the Premier League, Troy Deeney had earned a reputation of bullying centre-backs.
However, Vincent Kompany was cut from a different cloth to many.