OPINION
There is a clear sense Manchester City fans are witnessing the very final stage of Vincent Kompany’s glittering career. The club captain and icon was once a nailed-on starter when fit and available, but that is no longer the case as Aymeric Laporte emerges as the outstanding defender in the team, closely followed by John Stones. Instead, Kompany provides experienced and expert cover for the main men, as he did in Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Watford at Vicarage Road. Pep Guardiola rotated his player and omitted Laporte for the first time this season from a Premier League starting XI as Kompany was given just his fourth start in the competition out of the 15 matches played. His was a mixed performance in a testing fixture in which City, for once, did not stroll to victory. The Belgian also failed to last the game, and was withdrawn after 83 minutes with a hamstring problem. A section of City supporters were unimpressed with Kompany and his durability, with some claiming he is “finished”.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
https://twitter.com/OmVArvind/status/1070062577118560256
Kompany is finished
— george bondo (@elihtml) December 4, 2018
Kompany is finished as much as it pains me
— MR Nobody?? (@Jols05942450) December 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/Guardiolista01/status/1070116024639545344
Hate to say it, and he's still such a great leader of men, but Kompany is such a step down from Laporte at this point. Nowhere near as comfortable on the ball.
— Liam Owen (@Liam241283) December 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/Mzontsu34511217/status/1070058491845459968
https://twitter.com/ItsAlIByDesign/status/1070057621040885760
I'd bring sterling and laporte for Jesus and Kompany
— Moussez (@Moussez) December 4, 2018
I do prefer having Laporte on the pitch over Kompany. Looks so much more assured #MCFC
— Scott Mansell (@Scott_Mansell1) December 4, 2018