Jon Walters explains why Manchester City hero Vincent Kompany is better than Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk

Jon Walters explains why Manchester City hero Vincent Kompany is better than Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk
Jon Walters believes Manchester City hero Vincent Kompany remains streets ahead of new PFA Player of the Year Virgil van Dijk.City captain Kompany popped up with a season-defining moment in the tense 1-0 victory over Leicester by netting an absolute thunderbolt.The former Premier League striker, who recently announced his retirement, says the Liverpool defender must match the Belgian’s longevity before the pair can be considered equal.3

Van Dijk has become one of the world’s best defenders

3

Kompany has featured less prominently for City in recent years

Kompany, who is on the cusp of a fourth Premier League title as Man City captain, has seen the latter stages of his career blighted with various injuries.Nonetheless, he has still played 16 league games for City this season, with all-but one resulting in victory.Liverpool boast the Premier League’s tightest defence thanks largely to the influence of Van Dijk and the Dutchman has been mentioned among some of English football’s greatest defenders. However, Walters suggests the praise comes prematurely.Speaking exclusively to888sport, he said: “You have got to go with Kompany over Van Dijk for winning the Premier League as captain. To be up there with the best you have to be winning things.“Virgil Van Dijk has had a great 18 months and as good as hes been you have to be doing it for at least four, five years before you can be considered right up there.“Look at Ramos, Busquets, Pique. Those players are the worlds best because theyve been doing it consistently winning trophies, leagues, Champions Leagues.3

Walters announced his retirement from football in March

“There is a good probability that Virgil Van Dijk is going to be captain next year and he just needs to keep it up, keep doing it. Like Vincent Kompany who has been doing it for so many years.“Hes older now and injuries have taken their toll but theyre right at the top of the league and hes still played a major part this season.“I was speaking to a Burnley player who played at City and asked him what Kompany is like. He said he relishes those big occasions. He said hes unbelievable.

LIVE ON talkSPORT

talkSPORT is your home of live football! Here's what's coming up on talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2...

• West Ham vs Southampton (Saturday, 3pm) talkSPORT 2
• Cardiff vs Crystal Palace (Saturday 5:30pm) talkSPORT
• Derby vs West Brom (Sunday, 12:30pm) talkSPORT 2

“There were plenty of times when I would drop deep and look to pass the ball off and you know for a fact that Kompany would be coming right through the back of you. And hell get away with it because hes a nice guy and very articulate guy.“He gets away with a lot but I like that because I try and do the same. They are different players but by virtue of winning the league and being so consistent over the years its Kompany for me.”Read the full888sportinterview withJonathan Walters including his thoughts on what is like tolive a life of a professional footballer in the modern era

---

Arsenal transfer news: Unai Emery eyeing move for Juventus defender; Aaron Ramsey involved ARSENAL have reportedly made an approach to sign Juventus centre-back Medhi Benatia. By Duncan Robinson
Arsenal transfer news: Bayern Munich - independent.co.uk

---

What Liverpool need to do against Napoli in the Champions League to qualify. The Reds lost 2-1 in Paris and there are now several permutations that will either see them qualify into the knockout
What Liverpool need to do to qualify for Champions League

---

Former Republic of Ireland international Tony Cascarino says Liverpool star Mohamed Salah would be a more worthwhile signing than Neymar, the world's most expensive footballer.Salah signed for Liverpo
Buzz Website

---

Alex McLeish is set to learn his fate on Thursday as Scottish Football Association chiefs meet to decide whether to stick with the Scotland boss, according to reports. The manager's position
Scotland boss McLeish to learn his fate on Thursday after SFA

---

Burnley striker Jonathan Walters has announced his immediate retirement, citing ongoing Achilles tendon issues. The 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international confirmed on social media that his
Jonathan Walters - Forward - First Team - Burnley Football Club

---

Callum Hudson-Odoi: Chelsea forward has played just 19 minutes since hope of January transfer to Bayern Munich ended The 18-year-old tried to force through a move to the Bundesliga side last month
Callum Hudson-Odoi still wants to leave Chelsea with Bayern

---

Barcelona played their poorest game of the season against Manchester United, claims former Red Devils coach Rene Meulensteen The Catalans were far from their best but still left Old Trafford with
Barcelona played their poorest game of the season against

---

Apr 05, 2019 · Leagues, clubs to meet for tricky Champions League talks. Leaders of the top European leagues and clubs will hold talks next month on Champions League reforms that could cause a split at the upper
Leagues, clubs to meet for tricky Champions League talks

---

Next Post Next post: Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic responds to punter who lost out on £855 winnings due to missed penalty in FA Cup defeat by Oldham One thought on " Premier League table: How Mark Lawrenson's predictions this season compare to actual standings "
accumulator | Accumulator - Wikipedia

---

Massimiliano Allegri will 'not be rushed' into next job after leaving Juventus amid Chelsea and Bayern Munich links Massimiliano Allegri is in no rush to
Massimiliano Allegri will 'not be rushed' into next job after

---

Liverpool News: Man Utd battle for Bale, Salah to Real Madrid revelation, Rodriguez update "I still believe there will be an agreement to bring Naby Keita to Anfield" Ian McGarry "What they are arguing over is how much that is going to cost.
Liverpool transfer news LIVE updates: Major Naby Keita

---