Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes Vincent Kompany can become the best defender in the world

Vincent Kompany of Manchester City (Getty Images)

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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes that centre-back Vincent Kompany has the potential to become the best defender in world football.

The Belgian international has been in superb form for City this season, helping the club to an FA Cup win as well as Champions League qualification and his Italian manager is tipping him to get even better.

“Vincent Kompany can become number one in the world,” said Mancini.

“He has always played at a high level. When he was at Anderlecht and I was at Inter, I wanted to buy him.

“He was a good player then. He has improved a lot and now is one of the top defenders in Europe. But he can improve even more.”

Manchester City end their Premier League campaign tomorrow against Bolton Wanderers in the knowledge that victory will secure third spot in the top flight and automatic qualification for the Champions League.

In a season that has seen Carlos Tevez become the league’s joint top scorer with 20 league goals and Joe Hart awarded the Barclay’s Golden Glove after keeping 17 sheets, it is still Kompany who has stood out for Mancini.

“Vincent is incredible. He has a fantastic mentality. His attitude has been excellent,” added the Italian.

“Without doubt he has been one of our top players this year.