Joey Barton believes Vincent Kompany's recent struggles could be due to spending too much time in the gym
The Manchester City has long been regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and was key to their title wins in 2012 and 2014.
But he has looked a shadow of his former self at times this season, making costly errors against Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona.
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville claimed he had turned into 'Mr Rash' following his display in the 2-1 loss to Liverpool on Sunday.
And QPR midfielder Barton believes the Belgian may have spent too much time lifting weights during his recovery from a calf strain he suffered in December.
"Players go through peaks and troughs in terms of form - Kompany was execeptional last season when City won the league and was being touted as the best defender in Europe," Barton told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"But a few weeks back, before City had a bit of a wobble, a couple of things happened in games - like in and he just looked really top-heavy.
"I don't know whether the period he had out injured has meant he's gone in the gym and done more weights and more weights, and the top of his body has got more defined than the bottom.
"I just thought he didn't turn the way he usually does.
"He wil generally get in the face of the defender but I just think maybe he's half a second off at the moment.
"It will come with more games: it's just that in big games - against Barcelona, Liverpool - you can't get away with it if you're a fraction off peak fitness."
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