Vincent Kompany’s prowess on the football field has earned him admiration from fellow players, including Samuel Eto’o, who considers him a natural leader and one of the best defenders globally. In an interview with the Belgian daily Het Nieuwsblad, Eto’o expressed his wishes for Kompany’s success and injury-free performance in the upcoming World Cup.
Despite Kompany’s decision to represent Belgium instead of his native Congo, Eto’o expressed his personal preference for seeing him play for an African country. He emphasized the need for leaders like Kompany on the African continent and referred to him as a friend.
Regarding other players like Benteke and Lukaku, who also opted to represent European countries, Eto’o acknowledged their talent but lamented the missed opportunity for African football. He understood their choices, which often stem from factors like birthplace or limited opportunities in their home countries.
The phenomenon of African talents choosing to play for European nations reflects the complex realities of football development in Africa, where challenges often hinder talent emergence and football progression. Despite this, Eto’o’s admiration for Kompany and his hope for greater representation of African talent in international football remain evident.
