da betway： As Manchester City’s season rapidly descends into a nightmare, the autopsies will begin from both the fans and the decision makers at The Etihad. This City squad has arguably been one of the greatest in their history but on recent evidence it is a squad that needs disbanding.
da leao： As the players in Blue attempt to salvage what they can from their wreckage of a campaign, almost every player is playing for their future. Including their once inspirational leader Vincent Kompany, what has happened to their Belgian stopper?
Questioning the 29 year old was once an admission of insanity, not only one of the best defenders in the Premier League, but on a par with any in world football. Purchased in 2008, before the impact of the Sheikh’s money would completely change the club, Kompany has been a constant in one of the club’s most successful periods. Twice he has lifted the main domestic prize, more than any other City player in history, but his influence is waning, where once he was infallible, he now is facing serious questions for the first time in his career in England.
In three of the last four campaigns, the Belgian has been inducted by his fellow pros into the team of the season, but votes this season will be scarce.
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Injuries have not been kind to the former Hamburg man, an over reliance on him has led to him being rushed back into the fold when in hindsight more rest was required. Manchester City’s lack of depth in defensive areas and the failing of signings such as Mangala has meant Pellegrini has consistently had to play the Belgian whatever his physical condition.
Never has this been more evident than in the derby defeat to United, his dangerous tackle on Daley Blind should have arguably seen the City skipper partaking in an early bath. But the lateness of the tackle on further inspection all seemed to stem from his troublesome thigh. The grimace on his face was clear to see and he would be unable to complete the match.
Whether it is the manager or the player himself, Kompany is not being used in a way to bring the best out of him. Whether his injuries will have a more lasting effect, is yet to be seen; will he lose the pace that made him such an impressive defender? United has not been the only example of Vincent diving into a tackle, when previously he would have had the confidence in himself to overcome the attacker with his speed.
Of course he has played a lot of football, being a vital member of City’s title winning side followed by his country’s World Cup campaign; he is in need of a proper break. This summer will allow that and hopefully for Kompany and his team the break will revitalise the rock of The Etihad.
Manchester City appear destined for a summer of upheaval and changes if they are to once again challenge Chelsea for the title. At this point their skipper is still central to their plans, his City career has earned a level of respect, but player, fans and club alike will be praying that we see the Kompany of the past, rather than the one we have seen this campaign.
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