Yaya Toure has had his doubters this season. There seems to be a sense among some that he’s not trying since ‘CakeGate’ in the summer.
We have to say that he looks like he’s giving 100% every time we see him. His problem is that, at 31, he’s set impossibly high standards and his engine isn’t quite as powerful as it used to be.
But we would go as far as to say that Toure is the best midfield general that The Premier League has seen. He’s been the driving force behind Manchester City’s recent success and, without him, it simply wouldn’t have happened.
It’s the sheer variety of his skill set which boggles the mind. He’s superb in the tackle, has aerial prowess and is a great shield for the defence (contrary to those who think he’s lazy). Add to that a sensational passing range that often reminds us of the greatest Brazilians and a ferocious and cultured shot off either foot. Oh, and he’s also a fantastic dribbler. When you look at this profile you realise that he’s pretty much impossible to replace.
And the idea of replacing him with Mesut Ozil is ludicrous. Yet the media is all over the story today.
The Guardian says:
City want Mesut Özil as a replacement for Yaya Touré
Quite apart from the fact that Ozil had wilted like a prawn cracker in warm water over the last year, he’s a completely different player to Toure. He’s not physically imposing, can’t run through defences with the ball and can’t defend. Ozil is much more David Silva than Yaya Toure.
So we find this one hard to believe. Whoever eventually replaces Yaya Manchester City fans should enjoy and appreciate the present because, in Toure, they are witnessing true greatness every week and he will be so sorely missed. Sometimes you don’t know what you got til it’s gone.
Let’s see the German in action anyway. Manchester City fans: would you want Ozil?
Davidk
Oct 22, 2014 at 9:00 pm
Spot on article yaya is so strong, shields the ball and sprays it about, as you say you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. As for messy ozil you don’t see what you’ve got when you’ve got it.
Dave Gorman
Oct 23, 2014 at 1:43 pm
Agreed Toure has been superb but that was previous seasons.As key as he was before he has become a liability this season and seriously weakens City.
I totally agree that Ozil is not the answer to replace him but he does need to be replaced. Pogba would be my choice but I trust the people we have in place to make the right decisions.
Ken Mitton
Oct 23, 2014 at 4:46 pm
Yaya Toure is world class. All right he’s no longer a spring chicken, but he still brings excitement to the game. I don’t know of any other player to match his immense skills. Stick with the master and leave the also rans alone.