Manuel Benson will have a difficult season in his Premier League debut, according to Vincent Kompany.
The 26-year-old scored 13 goals, including THAT game-winning shot at Ewood Park, to be one of Burnley’s main protagonists in their Championship title victory.
However, the winger has not had the same impact in the top division, having only made five appearances overall (two of which were starts) in all competitions.
Although Benson was frequently mentioned as a potential departure from Turf Moor in January, the transfer window has officially closed and the Belgian is still a Burnley player.
“There’s absolutely zero shame in coming up from the Championship and having a tough first season in the Premier League,” Kompany remarked in response to the question of what more Benson could do. That’s not shameful; it’s a different animal.
“The guys are adjusting and making every effort to train.”
“I can’t say that I’m unhappy with any of my players. Conversely, they have been extraordinary.
Finding a balance between making sure we have the team to compete—which is a top priority—and making sure no one is idling around for the entire season is what’s most important to me. We never aim to do that.
“We always strive to provide our players with a positive environment.”
Another star from the previous campaign who has had difficulty getting into the Premier League, Anass Zaroury, secured a deadline day loan move to Hull City.
The 23-year-old will stay with the Tigers for the rest of the campaign.