Football
10y

Vincent Kompany impressed by Eliaquim Mangala's Man Ciy debut

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Mangala became the most expensive defender in the history of British football when he joined City for 32 million pounds from Porto in August.

The France international, who was not match fit when he arrived, had to wait for his first-team bow but was surprisingly selected for Sunday's 1-1 draw against title rivals Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

And Kompany was impressed by the way the 23-year-old played in his first competitive outing since Porto's April win over Rio Ave.

He said: "He was tremendous. I don't think he's played for five months. I think it is up to him how good he could be but it looks like he is eager to progress, which is important at his age as he is still young.

"Obviously you can see has all the basics to be more than a good defender. He will need some time, like everyone else, and with time he will improve. Going by this performance you will be looking forward to what he can achieve."

Kompany savoured his physical duel with Chelsea striker Diego Costa as City became the first team to stop the Premier League's top scorer from getting a goal this season.

He added: "I loved it. I live for those moments. People who know me know I want nothing else than to play against the big strikers week in, week out and I enjoyed every minute of it. But it is on to the next one now and it is Sheffield Wednesday [in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday] and then back to the league. Those are the only teams I have to worry about now."

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