5 things we've learned about Manchester City so far this season

#4 Vincent Kompany is City’s version of Carles Puyol

Vincent Kompany is City's undisputed leader.

Vincent Kompany has already established himself as something of a modern-day Manchester City great, having led the Citizens to a couple of Premier League titles in the recent past. However, for all the success he has had on the pitch, the Belgian has been equally unfortunate to be plagued by injuries which have curtailed most of his spells in the side.

But despite being highly injury prone, Kompany’s importance to City as a defensive unit is not lost on anyone. On his day and when he is fit, there aren’t too many who can do what Kompany does for City as he leads by example from the back.

Moreover, while the vast majority of the City squad are expected to be comfortable in possession, City’s skipper is probably the only exception to that expectation as he believes in nothing but no-nonsense defending. Further, the benefits of having Kompany in the side are plain to see as his presence allows his fellow centre-back, Nicolas Otamendi to effectively play as a midfielder, knowing that his skipper has got his back, in case he slips up.

Moreover, City have undeniably looked far more assured with Kompany at the heart of their defence as he also a leader of men and their defensive organizer.

And given that Guardiola is aiming to follow the blueprint from his Barcelona days with City, who better than Kompany to recreate the role that Carles Puyol once played ever so well for the Catalan giants.