Manchester City are in something of a mini-crisis; seven draws in a row against less than stellar opposition has increased the pressure on Mark Hughes significantly. City seem to lack belief; they have taken the lead in a number of these game only to concede sloppy goals. The defensive partnership of Lescott and Toure does not seem to be working and time is running out for them to strike up an understanding.

Having spent close to £40 million on his new centre-back pairing, it is understandable why Hughes has kept faith with them. It was a massive investment, but it does not seem to be working. Lescott has yet to find the form that made him such a key player for Everton, while Toure was struggling for form even before his move to Eastlands. The solution may be a change of personnel. Vincent Kompany has been making his way back from injury and the fact that he recently signed a new five-year deal with club suggests Hughes sees him as having a significant role to play at the club. Kompany was very impressive in his first season at the club; employed as either a centre-back or a defensive midfielder he excelled. It can take players a while to adapt to the pace of the English game but Kompany acquitted himself well last season and was even handed the captaincy for a couple of games.

Kompany is a defender who is very comfortable with the ball at his feet as well as possessing great physical attributes; this would perhaps make him the perfect foil for Kolo Toure who is better known for his aerial prowess and recovery pace. This would allow Lescott to move across to left-back where Wayne Bridge has been playing especially poorly. A stint at left-back where there is less pressure on him may allow Lescott the time to find his feet in a Man City shirt. Alternatively, Kompany could be used in midfield where City have lacked balance all season; Barry has been a huge disappointment since signing from Villa and Nigel de Jong has been constantly outperforming him. Mark Hughes showed he is not afraid of dropping the England man as he left him out against Hull, and it may be that Kompany is given the chance to link up with de Jong as he did with some success last season.

However Hughes decides to try and rectify City’s issues, Kompany must figure in the plans. He looks a better player than both Toure and Lescott, and after coming through a full reserve game last week, the time may be right to give the talented Belgian a run in the side; he may be the key to getting City’s season back on track..

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