Double Acts: Lescott – ‘My Goal Was to Be Kompany’s Best Partner, Not the Best Centre-Back’

Today, we’re launching a new series that highlights iconic City pairings.

In this inaugural edition, Joleon Lescott reflects on his strong partnership with Vincent Kompany, sharing his insights on his birthday.

“He was an exceptional player and a consummate professional. On the pitch, he was strong, aggressive, versatile, and had a high football IQ. I watched him grow into a leading defender and one of the team’s key players.

Regarding Vincent the person, he’s someone I am close to off the pitch. We had a great relationship, which developed during our time at the club. I’m not surprised by his current success; he’s always meticulous in his work, and anyone who knows him wouldn’t be surprised at his rapid progress in management.

Our partnership worked because I adapted my game to complement his. Trying to match his style exactly wouldn’t have been effective. I realized early on that my role was to be his best partner rather than the best centre-back. I was prepared to cover the areas where he needed more support. Being friends off the field also helped, as we shared similar views on football and had a strong bond.

Looking back, I remember our time together very fondly. We achieved a lot and were successful. Setting and reaching goals is something every player cherishes, and my time at Manchester City with Vincent Kompany is certainly memorable.

There wasn’t a specific moment when I knew we would work as a pair, but by the end of the 2010/11 season, after the January window, we were set to play together regularly. We knew the importance of performing well for the team, and our partnership gained momentum, especially after winning the FA Cup.

As for the best game we played together, I’d say it was the 1-0 win over Manchester United at the Etihad in April 2012, where Vincent scored the winning goal. In that match, I was strong defensively, and Vincent made a crucial contribution with his goal. We both played a significant role in keeping United’s attack quiet.