Burnley is “fortunate,” in Vincent Kompany’s opinion, to have been able to bring in a player of Maxime Esteve’s caliber.
The 21-year-old showcased his talent in his debut for the Clarets over the weekend. He entered the game as a substitute at halftime during the 2-2 draw against Fulham.
Despite being two goals down when he came on, the French center-back played a crucial role in helping his team recover, ultimately securing a late point, with David Fofana’s exceptional performance being a key factor in the turnaround.
Kompany was obviously thrilled with Burnley’s recruit on deadline day.
“He’s aggressive, plays on the front foot, eager to win every duel, possesses a good left foot, and is very fast. That’s a solid foundation,” remarked the speaker.
“We’re fortunate to have secured his recruitment. Players of his caliber could opt for other destinations, but he’s now a Burnley player, and his commitment signals that he’s prepared to give his all – a quality we truly need.”
During the post-match press conference on Saturday, Kompany was questioned about Esteve by Hughie Higginson. Esteve, an inspirational fundraiser, was the club’s special guest to celebrate the conclusion of his cancer treatment, accompanied by family and close friends, including Freddie Xavi.
In a playful manner, Hughie asked if Esteve could potentially reach the same level of success as the serial-winning Kompany, who is now in charge of the Turf Moor dugout. The Clarets boss was momentarily taken aback but responded with humor, saying, “Best question of the night! Could he be as good as me? My goodness. You’ve put me on the ropes there.”
“I had my strengths, and one thing I possessed was an incredible, insatiable desire to work hard and succeed, ensuring everyone around me did the same. Mentally, I was a machine,” remarked the speaker.
“Before we assess his footballing abilities, if there’s one trait I see in him, it’s that aspect. Without that inner drive, you don’t come on as a center back with 45 minutes left to play and make a positive impact. To conclude, it will be challenging, but as the Burnley manager, I can only hope he embodies that spirit.”