VINCENT KOMPANY revealed the one current star he would love to have played against.
The former Manchester City captain, 36, retired in 2020 and immediately stepped into management.
And having transformed his Burnley side into one of the best footballing teams in the country, he was given a reality hit on his return to the Etihad as City stuffed the Clarets 6-0 in the FA Cup quarter-final.
But despite his defence being terrorised by hat-trick hero Erling Haaland, the ex-centre-back wishes he could get 90 minutes battling with the Norwegian powerhouse.
Kompany said: “I wish I would have played against him.
“I would have to be fit, 100 per cent fit, no calf issues.
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“And then I would have enjoyed the game, just managing the distance constantly, try and read the intention to run in behind, try and read the intention to receive to feet, be in and out when you have a challenge, make sure you don’t get tight and locked into him.”
Kompany is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League’s history – winning four titles in his 11 years in England.
Haaland, though, is quickly forging a reputation as one of the most lethal finishers around – and his treble against Burnley took his tally to eight in five days and a bonkers 42 in 37 for the season.
Kompany added: “I have played against the greats – Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo.
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“And in the end they are part of a special elite because even the very best find it very difficult to stop those guys – and someone like Erling will keep finding a way.
“His game can and will still improve and that is maybe the difference with the other superstars – he is still willing to improve.
“I think his goalscoring record in general puts him in a certain bracket, a certain category. I don’t need to say more than showing you his record of goals.
“But I also see the mindset of someone who wants to improve. So if he continues to do that – and he is going to have to – that’s not something you experience a lot.”
Haaland’s City manager Pep Guardiola took the 22-year-old No9 off on 63 minutes after destroying RB Leipzig and then again against Burnley.
And the Spaniard joked: “Eight goals in five days… I played at Barcelona for 11 years and scored 11 goals.
“It is incredible.
“I substituted him after three goals so he doesn’t break Messi’s record in the FA Cup.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
