Vincent Kompany says Charlie Taylor grabbed the opportunity with both hands after his first league game of the season.
Before that game, the 30-year-old – who celebrated his birthday on the same day – had only made one cup appearance and wasn’t even included in any of Burnley’s matchday squads.
But having remained professional before waiting for his chance, the defender made the most of every opportunity that came his way.
“The experienced professionals… at a certain age you know that the only reward you get is if you work hard every day in training, then maybe your chance will come,” Kompany said.
“His opportunity came and he took it with both hands and we are happy about it.
“Sometimes you feel distant from the team, but in my opinion this is never the case. It’s about timing and momentum, so you always have to be ready and he proved that.”
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Charlie Taylor of Burnley prepares for a throw-in during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Burnley FC at the City Ground on September 18, 2023 in Nottingham, England.
Kompany is also happy with the squad depth he has at his disposal, with the likes of Dara O’Shea, Vitinho, Jack Cork, Han-Noah Massengo, Nathan Redmond and Jacob Bruun Larsen not even part of Burnley’s City squad Ground.
“I think this is crucial because once the season starts you’re stuck,” he added.
“There’s one side that says you have to manage the group and please everyone, but there’s another side that says it’s better to have too much than too little.
“They know they have to work hard. Charlie Taylor was an outstanding player (against Forest) but he wasn’t even in the team last time.“You know, I don’t make my decision based on, ‘I like this guy.’
For me, what matters is that the team gets better.“Every day in training I see people who are going to end up being really good players in this league, and it’s that mix.
“We have Mikey Tresor who is proving he can play at this level, we have other players and that will hopefully take us to the next level in the future.”
