Burnley manager Vincent Kompany identifies an area of Josh Cullen’s playing that goes beneath the radar

After being dropped early in the season, the Republic of Ireland international has been a regular in Kompany’s starting lineup since being reinstated at the beginning of March.

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Cullen has formed an impressive relationship with Sander Berge in the heart of the ground, dominating the midfield during Burnley’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend.

While Cullen has received plenty of praise for his recent performances, Kompany believes there is one facet of his game that is underappreciated.

He stated, “Because of where we are, I don’t think anyone will ever appreciate his football brain to its full potential.

“In a league of virtually cyborgs where everyone is 6ft 3ins and can do everything, running in behind, coming to feet, duels, headers, everything, he’s just in the middle of all these giants, and he’s just smarter than everyone, quicker to the ball, still able to play because he has to play with one touch, he can’t just dribble out of pressure.

“That side of his game, I’ve watched him develop for five years, and if you told me four or five years ago that this is where he’d be playing, I doubt many people would have backed him.

“When you start understanding the mentality of people, anything is possible.”