Manchester City swooped to sign Kompany from Hamburg in August 2008 for an undisclosed fee, thought to be in the region of £6 million. The Belgium international had been highly-rated as a young player and tracked by many of Europe's top clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal.

He began his career in his homeland with Anderlecht before making the move to Hamburg in 2006 for a fee of £7.5 million. His first season at the club was hit by injury as an Achilles problem ruled him out for the rest of the season after only six appearances, but he returned to fitness for the European Under-21 Championships.

Kompany was part of Belgium's squad at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing but was forced to return to Hamburg after only two games, with his club only allowing him to stay for the start of the tournament. The defender made appeals to Hamburg to allow him to stay in China for the remainder of his country's games but they stayed firm, and this stance is thought to be one of the reasons he was happy to move to Manchester City.

Brought in to shore up the City defensive unit, Kompany showed an ability to play both as a centre back and a holding midfielder. He was a vital member of the side in 2008-09 and, while injury hindered him the following year, he remains an ever-dependable member of the squad.

Strengths: Solid and reliable, Kompany has talent and composure and his versatility makes him a hugely valuable asset.

Weaknesses: Not the most commanding in the air.

Career High: In 2004, Kompany won the Belgian league title with Anderlecht as well as the country's Golden Shoe award for the best performer in the top-flight.

Career Low: At the Beijing Olympics, Kompany was sent off in Belgium's first match and that proved to be his last game of the tournament as Hamburg forced him to return early.

Style: A dependable defensive player who always looks committed to the cause.

Quotes: "Competition is good. It makes me better and makes the team better. Since I've been at the club, there have been at least 25 new players and I am still standing". - Vincent Kompany, July 2010

Trivia: Kompany's brother, Francois, played for League Two side Macclesfield Town.