Raheem Sterling is one of best players in world – Vincent Kompany

Vincent Kompany is convinced Raheem Sterling is now one of the best players in the world.Sterling hit a 13-minute hat-trick on Saturday as Manchester City took another step towards defending their Premier League title with a 3-1 defeat of Watford at the Etihad Stadium.There was an offside debate over his first goal and his second was a tap-in, but his third highlighted his skill as he weaved into the area, cut back and fired past Ben Foster.Awesome win and overall performance. Well done to the big man @sterling7, nice hat-trick. More to come, keep it going. #mancity pic.twitter.com/nhiXhOTIxl Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) March 9, 2019City captain Kompany said: Its incredible because his first year at City was tough, and then from the moment Pep (Guardiola) came in he just kicked on and went from strength to strength.For me, he is one of the best wingers in the world. Hes so important for us. To have the ability to unlock defences when they defend with so many bodies is the sign of a top, top, top player.Sterlings quickfire treble shifted what had been a frustrating game decisively in Citys favour. As in their two previous games, the score was 0-0 at half-time and City, despite dominating possession, needed to work hard for openings. View this post on Instagram Looks like I did well today lets keep it like that #wearecityA post shared by Raheem Sterling x (@sterling7) on Mar 9, 2019 at 11:58am PSTThese kind of games are much trickier than what people can see from the outside, said Kompany, who has featured in Citys last five games.Its mentally demanding because it puts you to sleep that you have so much possession and are bouncing against the same wall. You can sometimes fall into a false sense of comfort because you dont have anyone to mark and you have to be super, super careful.But weve done it against Bournemouth, against West Ham and weve done it again now. Hats off to the team.He's a threat to that net! 15 @premierleague goals for @sterling7 so far this season #mancity pic.twitter.com/MNct44c9y1 Manchester City (@ManCity) March 9, 2019City boss Pep Guardiola was more measured in his praise for Sterling, 24, who has now scored 20 goals for club and country this season.He scored three goals, were delighted, but he can do better, said Guardiola.The first half was not the best performance from him, but its good when not playing at the top level to be consistent and score the three goals.Guardiola hailed midfielder Ilkay Gundogan as an incredible player in all senses but again expressed concern over the Germans contract situation. Gr8 game! Domination over 90 minutes! Top of the @PremierLeague! #CmonCity @ManCity pic.twitter.com/rejN1rqaKn Ilkay Gndogan (@IlkayGuendogan) March 9, 2019The 28-year-old has not been an automatic starter under Guardiola and has just one season remaining on his present deal.Guardiola said: I would prefer him to stay but at the same time I want to feel he wants to stay too. If he doesnt want to stay, he has to leave.Guardiola was frustrated to be pulled into a debate about refereeing over Sterlings first goal. Sterling was initially flagged offside but the strike was eventually awarded because defender Daryl Janmaat touched the ball before him.He was just too good today! @Sure 3-1 #MCIWAT #mancity pic.twitter.com/OPfUTGFdUn Manchester City (@ManCity) March 9, 2019Arguments continued over whether the decision was the correct one and whether VAR might have helped. Guardiola pointed out, however,for such instances rules needed to be clarified first.He said: If you need the interpretation of the referee, always these types of situations will happen. If its confused in the rules, that is the problem.Opposite number Javi Gracia agreed.He said: I dont think VAR is the solution. I think first of all the solution is to have clear rules. After that, VAR can help referees.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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