Dunne Or Kompany?

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

People keep harping on about Dunne and it's well known to long time followers of this site that for me Dunne went from (biggest) hero to zero in that horrible two season's time. And wanted him to leave before it all turns sour.

But let's try to be honest here. Forget the fact that Dunne is City legend (and he definitely is) and look at purely skill and what the player brings to team.

For me, Kompany came in last season and took Dunne's position as the real leader of the defence. I felt he was equally dominant in the air and on the ground. Also, after Dunne who was more of a quiet leader, I liked it when Kompany started to be vocal on the pitch.

So for me, that was right decision and I think it was step forward for us. But what do other people think?

[Colin the King]

Dunne was one of my favourites for years, he embodied everything about our club and what we, as fans, wanted to see in a footballer. I'm torn between whether his poor season in 08/09 was the start of a slump at City, that only a change of scenery could correct, or that he was simply going through a bad time in a transitional side and had we stuck with him, he'd have come back stronger than ever. Lest we forget, in a settled defence with a quality partner- be it Distin at City or Cuellar at Villa, he's always excelled. It's when we started chopping and changing that things went wrong- he had Ben Haim, Richards, Onuoha and Kompany as a defensive partner at one point or another that season.

Ultimately, for all of the qualities that made him such a favourite here and at Villa, and won him the personal accolades he most certainly deserved at the time, we're moving into a different stratosphere now. Being able to pass a football out of defence is a huge attribute at the highest level, and that's where he will always fall down- his hoofing forward puts the team under pressure and frustrates the forward thinking players.

Kompany, for me, has Dunnie's attributes- he'll put his neck on the line, he'll (literally) bleed for the cause, he's diplomatic and intelligent and therefore a good leader (in other words, he knows when to and when not to shout), he's good in the air, has a good turn of pace, and is disciplined positionally. What he has over Dunnie is that ability to composure to pass the ball into midfield, and crucially, age. At 23, he still hasn't peaked as a player whereas Dunnie is in/heading slowly out of his peak.

They're both hugely likeable characters that the fans will always love, but in our ascent forward, with sentiment aside, Kompany is the better player. He's not perfect- lapses in concentration and trying to be too slick occasionally put us under pressure, but he's got most of the top attributes nailed down and will get better and better.

[Kladze]

CtK has said it all for me, the most crucial thing being the ability to pass the ball out of defence - it's a self belief thing as much as anything else, and Dunnie couldn't seem to develop the confidence required.
Loved you Dunniemonsta and will always remember your time with us with great affection but .............

[King Kev]

Dunne in his prime. Kompany now.

[Piccsnumberoneblue]

Dunne or Kompany? Didn't they used to make iffy suits?
You have to be a certain age to know I suspect.

[mcfc1632]

Both wholehearted players for the club - absolute stalwarts - Vince is simply in a different league when it comes to capability though - so it is a no-brainer - but that is not a criticism of Dunnie

[superkev8705]

Dunne always seemed to make at least one cock up each game. Kompany has his moments but im sticking with Kompany. Hes looking good after Saturdays game as well. Hope he carries on.

[The Foggy Blue]

Kompany for Captain. I want to start a campaign.

[dazby]

On Saturday Dunney was longballing at every opportunity. I don't miss that at all. VK all the way.

[Beeks]

The Dunne and Distin partnership were one of the meanest partnerships in the Prem at the time...but Dunnie is an old school defender whereas Komps has more tricks in his locker...so he just edges it for me

[ant london]

Terrible captain, red card liability, own goal specialist and general liability (oh and 4 times player of the year in a succession of fucking terrible teams) or Vincent Kompany?

Can't believe it actually needs to be debated

[Blue2]

Terrible captain, red card liability, own goal specialist and general liability (oh and 4 times player of the year in a succession of fucking terrible teams) or Vincent Kompany?

Can't believe it actually needs to be debated

Agree, Dunne - one of the most overrated players we have ever had.

[Chinners]

I went for Kompany as Dunne no longer plays for us.

[Ted Hughes]

Dunne or Kompany? Didn't they used to make iffy suits?
You have to be a certain age to know I suspect.

Think this deserves more recognition than it's got so far.


I'm delighted I don't have to watch Dunne anymore. He admittedly had one tremendous season where he was one of the best around, then peple got blinkers on & imagined he was still doing it when he wasn't. I've seen plenty of far worse defenders but I've never seen one of his size/strength/pace who could suddenly go to fucking pieces & repeatedly fuck up until he gave away a crucial goal. It was always in a crucial or knockout game. If he got away with one howler he'd keep doing it until they scored or he'd get sent off or score it himself. He was exactly the same for Villa last season; great until they needed him most then suddenly, for no apparent reason; legs of jelly & arse of shit. He'll do it again, in a crucial game this season, just watch. And then the words "so out of character.." & "the usually immaculate.." etc etc.

Not convinced by Kompany yet but his performance at Spurs was as good as anything Dunne ever produced & he's a miles better footballer. We'll soon find out if he's going to continue at that standard, but if he does we have a proper centre back.

[trout man]

Somebody had to vote for the man! But Vincent is fast becoming a firm favourite and will be more than the sum of Dunnies parts(I am sure the sheik could afford a really good platic surgeon)

[paulh]

dont get me wrong dunnie was a legend and turned himself around after his second chance, but he wouldnt get on the bench in our squad comparing him to vince is like comparing a skoda to an audi

[King Kev]

Terrible captain, red card liability, own goal specialist and general liability (oh and 4 times player of the year in a succession of fucking terrible teams) or Vincent Kompany?

Can't believe it actually needs to be debated

Agree, Dunne - one of the most overrated players we have ever had.

The fact that he was voted Player Of The Year a record 4 consecutive times would suggest that you are in the minority in that opinion.

[Mike J]

dunne overrated and a liability??? seriously!?

the guy was a collosus for us most of the time. we would have lost alot more games if he hadnt been around, for that i am certain. he is a club legend imo, i was sad to see him leave but it was probably the right time.

kompany is a fantastic player though, one of the best CB's in the prem.

[Ted Hughes]

Terrible captain, red card liability, own goal specialist and general liability (oh and 4 times player of the year in a succession of fucking terrible teams) or Vincent Kompany?

Can't believe it actually needs to be debated

Agree, Dunne - one of the most overrated players we have ever had.

The fact that he was voted Plater Of The Year a record 4 consecutive times would suggest that you are in the minority in that opinion.

Apart from one great season it's a sad indictment of the (lack of) competition & commitment in City's players at that time. Looking at Joey Barton wheezing around OT last night brings it home; he was one of our most lively alternatives! He still can't catch Paul Scholes even now.

[Murph]

I like Kompany a hell of a lot, he could become an exceptional player for us, he has the tools to become a more complete centre back than Dunne was for us. Dunne, especially in partnership with Distin was excellent, they complemented each other perfectly. Dunne's last season was poor no denying that but I don't think he was helped by playing with different centre backs and I also don't think he was helped by Cook's comments about Dunne not selling shirts in Timbukfuckintu or wherever. I think he new he was on his way out after he heard those I'll judged remarks.