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Vincent Kompany has been an integral part of the Manchester City defence since their dramatic title win in 2012. But, recent years have seen the Belgian defender go through a torrid time at the club with long-term injuries.
Kompany suffered a knee injury four years ago in the title-winning crunch clash versus Queens Park Rangers. Apparently, the injury seems to have a lasting effect on his career. To add to his woes, he has infuriated City boss Pep Guardiola, after returning from the international break with a knock. The injury has seen him being sidelined for another two weeks, much to Guardiola's discontent.
Manchester City currently have the most expensive defence, but with Kompany's future in jeopardy, they need to identify his replacement. Here, we take a possible look at the defenders who can replace the Belgian.
#5: JONNY EVANS (WEST BROM)
Although Jonny Evans was a Manchester United player for a long span, that didn't stop Guardiola from trying to sign him. The West Brom captain was apparently the subject of a £18 million bid from Man City, although Tony Pulis's asking price compelled Guardiola to leave the chase.
A three-time Premier Leauge winner with Man United, the 29-year-old would prove to be a fine option to replace Kompany at the heart of the defence. The Irish defender made 31 appearances last season, grabbing 4 clean sheets. He's also at the peak of his powers and would be a good addition to the team.
#4: VIRGIL VAN DIJK (SOUTHAMPTON)
Virgil van Dijk was a revelation for the Saints in the league last season. Liverpool had been vying for the Dutchman's signature, but he was forced to stay despite handing in a transfer request. Pep Guardiola was also rumoured to be interested in van Dijk but pulled out later.
The former Celtic star made 21 league appearances in his debut season for Southhampton, with 7 clean sheets under his belt. The 26-year-old achieved a tackle success rate of 77%, along with an average of 2.9 interceptions per game. The player is tipped for a move in January, with Liverpool being the favourites to land him.
However, Manchester City can arguably offer better wages and might be in a better position come January to lure the player to Etihad.
#3: TOBY ALDERWEIRELD (TOTTENHAM)
Kompany's Belgian team-mate, Toby Alderweireld, is deemed as the perfect replacement for the Belgian skipper by Guardiola. The 28-year-old Tottenham defender was one of the best performers for Spurs. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino values the player highly.
Alderweireld made 30 appearances for Spurs last season, garnering 14 clean sheets and achieving a tackle success rate of 85%. The Belgian made an average 0.7 outfield blocks per game and 0.3 average fouls per game.
His fouls-per-game stat is a valuable asset since the Premier League has a plethora of lethal attackers. He grabbed an average of 0.9 interceptions per game last season as well and his calm presence at the back could not only help Guardiola but also a young player like John Stones.
#2: RAPHAEL VARANE (REAL MADRID)
French centre-back Rafael Varane could prove to be an ideal replacement for the Citizens, after playing for a big club like Real Madrid since the age of 18. Varane managed to get 23 league games under his belt last season.
He averaged 1.3 tackles per game and 1.7 interceptions per game last season. Although a move to Manchester City might be a step down in his career, Varane would approve a new challenge in the EPL. He has won all the major club trophies with Los Blancos.
A strong and sturdy defender, the French defender will certainly shore up the City defence. He appears to be the ideal long-term replacement for Kompany at 24 years of age.
#1: AYMERIC LAPORTE (ATHLETIC BILBAO)
There’s a good reason why both Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain, and most of the top teams in the Premier League are keeping an eye on Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte. City boss is also rumoured to be a keen admirer of the 21-year-old Bilbao defender.
Awareness, passing accuracy, the ability to bring the ball out of defence calmly and strong aerial ability, Aymeric Laporte has all the abilities to be a starter at Manchester City. He had an average of 1.7 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game in 33 games last season. Guardiola would certainly relish such an experienced young talent.
