Vincent Kompany praises JJ Watt, a prominent figure in the NFL, for displaying remarkable leadership qualities during his tenure at Burnley.

Vincent Kompany, the former Manchester City captain and current Burnley manager, has heaped praise on NFL legend JJ Watt for his leadership skills and the value he brings to the club.

Watt and his wife Kealia, a former player for the United States Women’s National football team, invested in Burnley in May 2023 and have been actively promoting the club on a global scale. The couple even attended Turf Moor to witness Burnley lifting the Championship trophy at the end of last season.

Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, revealed that he had immersed himself with the supporters by going on a pub crawl on his way to the stadium. He has also been vocal on social media, expressing his opinions and even criticizing a handball decision that went against Burnley in their recent defeat to Aston Villa.

In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Kompany spoke highly of Watt’s leadership qualities, describing him as “one of a kind” and a “real leader.” He emphasized the value of having someone like Watt at the club, regardless of his background in the NFL or any other industry. Kompany believes that having individuals with good values like Watt is crucial for the club’s identity and for fans to feel represented.

Kompany also expressed his pride in how Burnley handled the situation with striker Lyle Foster, who took a break from football to focus on his mental well-being. The club provided support and care for Foster, who has since returned to first-team action and made significant contributions on the pitch. Kompany hopes that Burnley’s honest and compassionate approach will encourage others to seek help when needed.

Looking ahead, Burnley will be aiming for their fourth Premier League win of the season when they face Luton Town at Turf Moor on Friday. Kompany acknowledged the improvements made by both teams and highlighted Luton’s ability to be threatening in attack while remaining solid defensively. He sees it as a challenge that Burnley will embrace, recalling the tough games they had against Luton in the Championship last season.

Overall, Kompany’s interview showcased his admiration for JJ Watt’s leadership, Burnley’s commitment to supporting their players’ well-being, and the team’s readiness to face the challenges of the Premier League.