VINCENT KOMPANY

Manchester City swooped to sign Kompany from Hamburg in August 2008 for an undisclosed fee, thought to be in the region of £6 million. The Belgium international had been highly-rated as a young player and tracked by many of Europe’s top clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal.

He began his career in his homeland with Anderlecht before making the move to Hamburg in 2006 for a fee of £7.5 million. His first season at the club was hit by injury as an Achilles problem ruled him out for the rest of the season after only six appearances, but he returned to fitness for the European Under-21 Championship.

Kompany was part of Belgium’s squad at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing but was forced to return to Hamburg after only two games, with his club only allowing him to stay for the start of the tournament.

Brought in to shore up the City defensive unit, Kompany showed an ability to play both as a centre-back and a holding midfielder. He was a vital member of the side in 2008-09 and, while injury hindered him the following year, he has now emerged as the first name on the City team-sheet and is one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

Strengths: Solid and reliable, Kompany has talent and composure and his versatility makes him a hugely valuable asset.

Weaknesses: Not the most commanding in the air.

Career High: Winning the Premier League with Man City in 2012.

Career Low: At the Beijing Olympics, Kompany was sent off in Belgium’s first match and that proved to be his last game of the tournament as Hamburg forced him to return early.

Style: A dependable defensive player who always looks committed to the cause.

Quotes: “Make no mistake, at £6 million, Vincent Kompany is arguably the best transfer market buy of all time. By leading Manchester City to the title this season, he has shown why he is on course to become the best defender of the Premier League era. “. - Alan Hansen, May 2012

Trivia: Kompany’s brother, Francois, played for League Two side Macclesfield Town.