Troy Deeney hails Vincent Kompany as toughest opponent in career

The Watford captain spent five seasons playing in the Premier League before relegation last season

Deeney has opened up on his toughest opponent (Getty)

Troy Deeney has revealed Vincent Kompany is the best defender he has ever faced during his career.

The Watford forward spent the last five seasons in the Premier League competing against some of the best defenders in the game.

The 32-year-old scored 47 goals in the top flight before relegation to the Championship last season.

But despite coming up against Virgil van Dijk, John Terry and others, Deeney was left in no doubt as to who was the toughest to succeed against.

“The best defender I’ve played against in my career would be Vincent Kompany," Deeney said on Talk Sport’s Instagram.

Deeney has opened up on his toughest opponent (AFP)

“I think he’s just a beast of a human; he’s fast, strong and a great leader.”

Manchester City have struggled to replace the Belgian since his departure in 2019.

Pep Guardiola has been forced to splash more than £100 million on centre-backs Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake this summer in an attempt to fix his defence.

While Deeney also discussed his favourite teammate during his time at Vicarage Road, sharing a surprise name.

“My favourite player to play with is Heurelho Gomes. It’s very strange for a striker saying that about a goalkeeper," Deeney added. 

“He’d been my vice-captain for four or five years and is a great human being.

“He had all the experience at Spurs and in the Dutch league as well.”

Deeney has made just two appearances in the Championship for the Hornets this season, without scoring.