Player thread: Vincent Kompany (2014/15)

[cleavers]

I've not read much of this thread, so I don't know if this point has been made or not, but does anyone feel he's just trying too hard at the moment ?

He had an absolute mare for 15 minutes yesterday, but he was rushing into everything, he's not calm, and that is always something he has been for me. His performances rub off on others too.

I did think after that 15 minutes though that he seemed more composed and made fewer mistakes, in fact I thought he looked far better than he has.

 

[green pennies]

I wonder if there's a case for rethinking our defensive approach entirely right now? Vinnie has been a brilliant CD for us, but he's also a pretty good defensive mid, too. Given the personnel at our disposal, this would allow us to go:

Hart
Zab Demi Mangala Clichy
Vinnie
Fernandinho Yaya
Nasri Silva
Aguero

It's a pretty flexible approach where 4141 can easily be tweaked to 4231 etc., as circumstances dictate. ... but it gives the backline the cover that's missing right now ... while playing to a lot of Vinnie's strengths.

I do not think it is a Kompany problem, like i do not think Mangala's erratic play (especially early doors) is his problem neither.

There are no defensive systems in place within our tactics. The tactic is 'try and nick the ball early' which means [players get booked to often and] players are running out of the defensive line causing huge gaps and players don't slide to close those gaps and don't cover those running out. Players are far too far away from each other, centre halves should always be close together and ours aren't no matter who plays. Defensive midfielders do not cover for full backs (or they don't drop back with the centre halves to make a back 3) when they've made runs forward in an attacking move. There is a distinct lack of communication because players do not know what they should be telling each other. We are wide open in midfield and teams just exploit the space we allow them. This then puts the defence under huge strain as they are just being attacked from anywhere, often. We don't press the ball high up the pitch (or anywhere for that matter) and we don't cynically foul so teams just have a free run through our midfield directly at our confidence shot, disorganised defence.

We look like Arsenal2.0 from the last ten years. Pretty football with some pretty goals but fairly boring and cannot defend.

Kompany's form is just a symptom of this. But now even basic things are looking shoddy because his confidence is shot to pieces.

Sensible posts, these. It's absolutely gutting to see a player I love and respect so much struggle and come in for abuse, so I hope I'm not grasping at straws here, but it does seem that there is a bigger, more systemic problem at play here.

We need to change formation, or bring in a new midfield destroyer, or at least find someone to fulfill that role for the time being. Why not VK? I suppose it could be an insult to his pride or hurt his confidence even more, but he is a very professional footballer and I'd have to think he would be sensible and just get on with it. It would allow him to jump those forward passes from the opposing midfielders like he loves to do without exposing a gaping hole behind him.

Also, I don't think it would hurt for us to have a definite center half pairing that played together every week and became true partners. Not the first to say that but it's true.

It is tactical though, and I think it can be fixed. Was listening to "The Football Show" on SiriusXM today and they had the audacity to suggest that his dip in form could be due to him "being a smart guy, and being involved in a lot of activities off the pitch, and having a limo business and other businesses... and maybe not focusing on just football..." etc etc. What shit. Bounce back Vinny, lets do this.

 

[Hung]

Form is temporary, class is permanent.

 

[NorthamptonBlue]

I've not read much of this thread, so I don't know if this point has been made or not, but does anyone feel he's just trying too hard at the moment ?

He had an absolute mare for 15 minutes yesterday, but he was rushing into everything, he's not calm, and that is always something he has been for me. His performances rub off on others too.

I did think after that 15 minutes though that he seemed more composed and made fewer mistakes, in fact I thought he looked far better than he has.

This for me too. After a shaky period, I thought he improved though still not at his imperious best. I certainly wouldn't want him gone.

 

[dronefromsector7g]

At times it looks like he's done that Face/Off thing with Titus Bramble, but I think the point about our lack of defensive cover leading to him rushing out making tackles is a good one. Rather than drop him I think trying him in front of Demi and Mangala would be worth a go.

 

[Blue warrior]

He could always play DM in front of Demi and Mangala, no worse than Fernando in that position certainly more athletic and less pressure on him whilst going through this rough patch.

 

[baildon blue]

He could always play DM in front of Demi and Mangala, no worse than Fernando in that position certainly more athletic and less pressure on him whilst going through this rough patch.

Wouldn't mind that myself .
In fact Mangala and Demichelis have looked better together .
Than Kompany with either of them .

 

[Harvster]

He could always play DM in front of Demi and Mangala, no worse than Fernando in that position certainly more athletic and less pressure on him whilst going through this rough patch.

Wouldn't mind that myself .
In fact Mangala and Demichelis have looked better together .
Than Kompany with either of them .

Or we could kick in with a bit of 3-5-2, which I have always liked and is back in vogue. Vincent bringing the ball out from between Martin and Mangy, could do it in his sleep.

Playing as wing backs would also suit Zabs and Kolly.

 

[CatMan]

Form is temporary, class is permanent.

And the title is won in May but has probably already been lost!

Of course using your flawed cliché everything will be OK and we needn't worry!

 

[cookster]

Form is temporary, class is permanent.

And the title is won in May but has probably already been lost!

Of course using your flawed cliché everything will be OK and we needn't worry!

Kompany is getting hit from all angles of the press and many of our own fans. Before signing his last contract he could have picked any club in world football to join.

However:

“We have a common goal and so much to look forward to - a family of clubs, the opening of City Football Academy, exciting players coming through our youth system – why would I go anywhere else?”

Maybe we should stay with him in his hour of need?