Kompany up for the battle

November 25, 2009

Vincent Kompany

VINCENT Kompany is relishing the challenge of earning a first-team place at Manchester City.

The Belgian international played all 90 minutes of Monday's 1-1 reserve team draw with Blackburn as he continues his rehabilitation from toe surgery in the summer.

The 23-year-old featured in midfield on Monday, though he has also played in central defence during a career that includes spells at Anderlecht and Hamburg.

Kompany told mcfc.co.uk: "I finally got 90 minutes to run around and make some tackles and I really enjoyed it. I made a lot of good, strong challenges, which is a big part of my game.

"That was the important thing for me, recovering the ball and keeping possession for the team - I had a lot of positive moments and I think I reached a decent level of performance."

He was a regular in the side last season but the competition for places has steadily got stiffer since his arrival in August 2008.

Nigel De Jong and Gareth Barry joined to compete for midfield slots, and Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott now regularly start in central defence.

However, Kompany, who struggled through the later half of last season with a toe injury, remains upbeat about forcing his way into Mark Hughes' thinking.

He added: "I'm looking forward to pushing for a first-team starting place. The competition doesn't bother me. I'm just as much competition to the others. I hope to be in there in the near future.

"I'm not there yet but I'm on my way. I'm starting to feel like I did when I first joined City last season. I feel like I can maybe reach even better levels than I did then.

"I'm happy, but I'm realistic as well. I know I need to be able to perform well consistently."

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Evan Georgiou (25/11/2009 at 15:01)

I love it,now we have Ned,Vinny,Johno ,RSC and Robi back we will be able to see what Hughes can do with a full pack....I do believe that he has been restricted and has done well to say nothing ....personally, I would love to see Ned at rb,and Jolo at lb with Vinny and Kolo in the middle of our defence which would allow De Jong,Superman,Tevez and Bellers to play behind Ade and Robi.....4-1-3-2...with Barry,SWP,Zab,RSC,Johno and Petrov/Vlad on the bench with Taylor.....from a cloudy Cape Town....

True Blue,Galway.Ireland, Galway (25/11/2009 at 15:27)

Get Kompany in beside Toure.Give Bridge a cushion,Lescott to left back and let Onohua or Zableta sort out the right back slot.I'm sure Mark Hughes will read this.

Uwe the Goat, Brighton (25/11/2009 at 15:39)

I love Kompany and can't wait to see him nail down a regular starting slot. Crying out to be part of a back three.

Sparky65, Newtownards, N Ireland (25/11/2009 at 15:45)

Kompany should replace Lescott at the back. Much better defender and will allow Lescott to get some reserve games under his belt to improve his confidence.

Sparky65, Newtownards, N Ireland (25/11/2009 at 15:45)

Kompany should replace Lescott at the back - a much more solid pairing.

Rick, Glos (25/11/2009 at 15:48)

Evan, why would you put Ned in at right back, whenever he's played there he has been awful old 'nervous neddy' whereas in the middle he's been class? Oh and our incumbent centre-halves are playing awful, so surely he must start in his best position of centre-half! Its Lescott who needs to make way, he and Bridge can fight it out for the left back slot and Vinnie can push Kolo for the other spot in the middle..

The Insider, CTID. (25/11/2009 at 15:59)

wellcome back VK glad to see you back & ready to go, to all the negheads on here YAWN YAWN YAWN !!! CTID BELIEVE.

humps, hampshire (25/11/2009 at 16:35)

i are for one think that the last couple of games lescott has played well and he was the best defender for england the other night some players take time to settle in and wuth a hugh price tag on hes head it wasnt his fault that the other ugly scotsman kept upping his price tag maybe play him left back with vk centre half and captain

Esso Blue. Anything that is possible no matter how unlikely, happens all the time, Manchester (25/11/2009 at 16:38)

Don't think it will be long before Vincent is back in the team. A proper professional.

ray class of '68 and before, Bristol Area (25/11/2009 at 16:39)

Indulge me in the ramblings of an old 'know nowt' life long 60+ year old supporter....... 4-3-3 Team for this weekend, please:

Given (It's a given!)
Ned, Kompany, Toure, Lescott (Back line of strength, speed and height)
De-Jong, Superman, Barry [choose Johnson if fit] (Mid of grit, anchor and link)
Bellers, Ade, Robbie (Forward line of, all Class!)

(TEV to come on as appropriate in second half to replace any mid/forward attack player not on his game!!)

Bench: Taylor, Bridge, Zab, Johnson, SWP, TEV, Weiss

There you go, Mark, job's a good'n...simple isn't it? Oh, and by the way, if you must pick Weiss for the bench every week, please ensure he does get a run out now and again, otherwise keep him playing in the reserves until you are prepared to blood him.

I thank you!

TTFN

Robert Fielding (25/11/2009 at 16:47)

Play Vincent at the back with Toure.
He is in the mould of Distin...only better!
CTID
RLFielding

Dukinfield Blue, Manchester (25/11/2009 at 16:52)

Knowing Hughes mentality it would not surprise me if he lined up with a three man holding midfield of Kompany, Barry, De Jong. This may ensure the mighty Hull dont overun us, come to think of it, he will be kicking himself that he sold Gelson because he would probably put him in as well "just to be safe and add extra anchor to the midfield".

sky blue bossa, exiled m`seyside (25/11/2009 at 17:00)

Good to hear that Vinnie has got over his injury as his return will really strengthen the squad.Besides his ability to play in the centre of the back four and midfield he gives us additional height and presence on the pitch.

Blue_heart (25/11/2009 at 17:12)

Welcome back Vincent I agree with those that want to play him along side Kolo and give Lescott a try at left back. The Hull game might be a good time to try this one.

Captain Underpants is a BLUE!, Kent (25/11/2009 at 17:18)

Welcome back Vinnie; get back in at CH and put Lescott on the bench to earn the spot back. I think (like most) Lescott would do well to spend some time in the reserves to bring his confidence back up. No negativity, and definately NO BOO-ING!!

Time to get behind the team everyone! CTID

kevodevo (25/11/2009 at 17:27)

Kompany is good - but he switched off a couple of crucial times last season so he needs to bide his time which will come soon enough

Kippax 36, High Heath (25/11/2009 at 18:11)

VK quality player for me, get him in now either at CB (Lescott) or MF (Barry). Top Banana Vincent good to have ya back lad.

a dictata in superbia , Manchester (25/11/2009 at 19:04)

Hopefully VK can put pressure on our defenders and midfielders to produce or else. The thing is though Hughes seems to be sticking with one or two of his favourites who are not playing well at the moment, he is being patient with them but this cannot be good for squad morale and sometimes a rest or kick up the backside can work for under achieving players. Yes its early days and we are a team in transition but its players like Vinnie who are made for the modern day game and its great to have him on board and fully committed to the cause.

BLUE BOY!! MANCHESTER NOT LONDON!!, Manchester (25/11/2009 at 20:21)

blueboy, you seem to have a "bro"mance going with
Noddy,
25/11/2009 at 16:03

Who with Noddy ?

BLUE BOY!! MANCHESTER NOT LONDON!!, Manchester (25/11/2009 at 20:22)

Go on the Vinny -

micheal ok, kilworth,county cork ireland. (25/11/2009 at 20:23)

looking forward to seeing you back in a city shirt vincent :)

CTID

BlueWulf Blue (25/11/2009 at 20:55)

Love him but it's midfield or nothing i'm afraid! Not convinced by him at CB at all.

James Mitchell (25/11/2009 at 21:28)

This is a question to all you boo boys and negative people on here -

With your expectations, where should city be in the league today?

Top? Maximum Points? Let a Goal in Yet?

Just be patient, there have been signs of an excellent team here and the time will come!!!

But you guys obviously wont listen so I will help yous - "Booooo" "Sack Hughes" "Lescott is useless"
Actually feels pretty good "BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"

JPM

Phil , Sacramento, CA U.S.A. (26/11/2009 at 02:45)

Rick, Glos wrote "Its Lescott who needs to make way, he and Bridge can fight it out for the left back slot and Vinnie can push Kolo for the other spot in the middle..."
Agree 100%, Rick. One question, though: if Zabs isn't available for a match, would you start Micah or Ned at right-back?

wrighty city, city (26/11/2009 at 08:48)

Like the football hes playing with!!!

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