HE’S SUCH GREAT KOMPANY

MARK HUGHES says Vincent Kompany is the best player he’s ever signed.

The former Manchester City boss returns with Southampton today admitting nobody could have predicted the incredible turnaround achieved at the club in the space of a decade.

He said: “I was able to bring in some good players who had a good influence on Man City – the likes of Kompany and (Pablo) Zabaleta.”

Centre-back Kompany was snapped up from Hamburg for just £6million in 2008 and has since lifted three league titles.

Hughes (right) said: “Vinnie is an outstanding individual and I knew that when we were able to persuade him to come. Even though he was only a young man, I always felt he was a captain in waiting. He’s one the best characters and best players I’ve had the pleasure to work with. “In terms of the signings I have made, he’d have to be at the top. “There haven’t been too many that have gone on to have the career he’s had.”