For most people, Manchester City and Liverpool are the two favourites to win the Premier League in the 2018-19 season.

City blew away the rest of the competition last term, reaching 100 points, while Liverpool have invested heavily this summer with signings like Alisson and Naby Keita.

Vincent Kompany featured 21 times in Man City's title-winning campaign and has been an absolute stalwart since joining the club from Hamburg in 2008.

Despite Liverpool being a big threat to Pep Guardiola's men, the City captain has opened up about being a huge fan of one of the Reds' current stars.

In fact, Kompany even signed the player for his own Football Manager side, and it's not Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino or Sadio Mane, his name is Andy Robertson.

Robertson shining after slow start

Robertson joined Liverpool from Hull City last summer for just £8 million and, after a slow start, has firmly established himself as one of the league's best full-backs.

The Scot, who became captain of his country earlier this week, is somewhat of a cult hero amongst Liverpool fans, having produced several top-class performances. 

Kompany: Why I'm happy for Robertson

In addition to revealing that Robertson was in his Football Manager team back in the day, Kompany has explained why he's an admirer of the left-back.

"Most of us in football have come from humble backgrounds," the 32-year-old Belgian said, via Liverpool Echo.

"Whatever way you get there, it is just great to see him (Robertson) doing well. Andy is now playing to such a high level with Liverpool and now he is captain of his country."

The centre-back continued: "He has come a long way in a short space of time. I do think he is a great example.

"If you look at every single club, you will find a lot of young lads coming through who probably used to be ball boys or something.

"If you have work rate and desire and ability like him, it is not so much of a surprise. It is natural progress."

Kompany added: "I knew of him when he was playing in Scotland even before he joined Hull City. I play Football Manager, so I was well aware of him.

"I actually signed him back then because good left-backs are hard to come by. I took a gamble on him, but it paid off!"

Kompany's Belgium beat Robertson's Scotland 4-0 on Friday, but it's great to see the respect that exists between the pair despite their teams' rivalry at club level.

Do YOU agree with Kompany's comments on Robertson's inspirational rise? Do YOU think he is one of the best left-backs in Europe? Have YOUR say in the comments box below!