Was It Right to Drop Vincent Kompany from the Manchester City Starting XI?

One of the darker subplots of Manchester City’s season has been the form of their captain, Vincent Kompany, a player the club has come to rely on heavily since his arrival in 2008.

After returning from his latest injury setback in January, his performances have been way below the standard most have come to expect from the Belgian, and on Wednesday, he was dropped from Manuel Pellegrini’s starting XI for the Premier League match with Leicester City, which City won 2-0.

It was a big call from the under-fire City boss. It’s a rare sight to see a fit and available Kompany on the bench and unused—it's the first time he's been dropped in six-and-a-half years.

Pellegrini said afterward it was “to refresh the team mentally and physically after two difficult games,” a typically diplomatic response from one of the great man managers in the game. It was clear, though, it was a more strategic move than simply shaking things up; Kompany was dropped because he had been a liability for a number of weeks.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

He may have been one of the best defenders in the division over recent seasons, but Pellegrini’s decision to drop the 28-year-old was the right one. His overeagerness to try and win games from centre-half has been causing City all sorts of problems in recent weeks, and his confidence has clearly been affected.

He looked dreadful against both Arsenal and Middlesbrough, dragged all over the pitch in what were two reckless performances. Positionally, he was ill-disciplined, which had a knock-on effect throughout the rest of the back four, and he was being beaten far too easily. Rarely, if ever, has he looked so vulnerable, with his rashness being exploited by opposition attackers.

He looked well short of sharpness against Barcelona, culpable, perhaps, for their second goal. In the match with Liverpool, his poor attempt at a challenge near the halfway line allowed Philippe Coutinho to advance toward goal, leading to Jordan Henderson’s opener.

He improved in the second half at Anfield, which hasn’t been widely noted, but much of the damage had been done. It’s likely Pellegrini had already decided it was time for a rest.

Taking him out of the limelight for a period to refocus and regain some composure seems like a sensible step.

It’s a move Pellegrini has taken before. Last season, when Joe Hart was struggling, he was dropped for six weeks. It was a difficult situation for the goalkeeper, who had been one of City’s poster boys in their gloriously successful recent past, but it worked. Since his return to the side, his form has been significantly better. Kompany must try to emulate Hart.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Hart said he feels sure Kompany will be back in the side soon:

"

Vinny appreciates, same as we all do, that sometimes the manager will change the squad. There is no-one destined to play every single game—I have learned that lesson.

Vinny's an unbelievable player, one of the best I have ever played with, and this was his night off.

I'm sure he will be back in the team again with that captain's armband, being one of the best defenders in world football.

"

There are factors which, to some extent, excuse Kompany. His injury record, which has seen him miss around 30 league matches in the last three seasons, appears to have finally disrupted him. Whereas before he would come back into the side and return to his previous high level, he has this season struggled to reassert his dominance.

Muscle injuries are a real concern, particularly in the calf area, which is where he appears to be particularly susceptible to damage. There have been too many layoffs, and they finally seem to be taking their toll.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

The lack of a settled partner during an injury-disrupted campaign can't have helped him, either. He's appeared alongside Eliaquim Mangala, who has looked uncomfortable at times, Martin Demichelis and Dedryck Boyata this campaign.

His decline is far from terminal, though. He has too much quality not to get back to being one of the top defenders in the game. John Terry, a player written off in some quarters a few seasons ago, has been the Premier League's top defender this season at 34.

Kompany has lots more to give. But right now, he's better taking some time out.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.